A SHOWDOWN is expected to take place tonight at Cleveland Eneas Primary School, when the PLPs Kennedy constituency office seeks to ratify the candidate they would wish to have to represent them in the next general election. The front-runners for the post are attorney Derek Ryan and Dion Smith. Both candidates are reportedly expected to address the constituency branch when it meets at 7.30pm and state their case as to why they are best suited to be the areas next Member of Parliament. While it is rumoured that Mr Ryan may emerge from the contest as the probable winner of the evening as he is alleged to be well liked by the branch, a source close to the matter said Mr Smith will not be going with out a fight. Although this ratification by the branch can only be viewed as a primary victory for any one of the political prospects, it could go a long way in helping the victor when they meet with the PLPs Candidates Committee who, at the end of the day, has the final word. Initially it was also reported that the PLPs treasurer Craig Butler had displayed an interest in the seat but was overlooked when Mr Smith emerged as a possible contender. Since then, Mr Smiths probable nomination has come under fire in recent weeks as political pundits speculate that his emergence on the political scene could have more to do with cementing the position of other would-be leaders within the party than his own actual nomination. Naturally this has raised fears in some quarters among the party that there could be a challenge to Perry Christies leadership prior to the 2012 general election. Having emerged victorious from a challenge to his leadership at the partys last national convention, senior PLPs have stressed that the PLP cannot afford to revert to a repeat performance of that time as Mr Christies focus should now be placed firmly on defeating the FNM in 2012. C M Y K C M Y K LOCAL NEWS PAGE 2, MONDAY, AUGUST 16, 2010 THE TRIBUNE TO DISCUSS STORIES ON THIS PAGE LOG ON TO WWW.TRIBUNE242.COM S TRUCKUM LAWNS, PLANTS & SHRUBS TREATMENTPHONE: 327-6464 w ww.struckum.com WE SEND EM PACKIN! Join us forHappy HourEVERYDAY 4pm 6pm Now thru August 29th Half Price Frappuccino Marina Village at Atlantis 363-1174 Woodes Rogers Wharf 328-8089 Wyndham Casino 327-6564 Palmdale 326-0134 Harbour Bay 394-3002 Marathon Mall 394-5733 Cable Cottage 327-6112 Front-runners for the PLP Kennedy candidacy set to address party branch licensed as a commercial property, said Environment Minister Earl Deveaux. My involvement and knowledge has to do with enforcement with every instance. We have always asked them to abide by the Physical Planning Bill, the Conservation of the Physical Landscape of the Bahamas Act, where they are required to get permits to dredge. Most of the dredging, except on one instance, has been unauthorised, said Mr Deveaux. Nygard has relentlessly acquired more land from its orig inal boundaries. Compulsory demolition is an option. I think that process is unfolding. All of the government's options will be reviewed by the Attorney General's office, he said. Documents obtained by The Tribune indicate Mr Nygard acquired his property in 1984 for about $1.7 million. The 3.25 acres was registered as a single-family residential property, according to Tribune sources. Eric Gibson, property manager at Nygard Cay, confirmed that Nygard Cay has a private residence permit and has always and is continuing to operating under residency permit. He said, Nygard Cay has no hotel licence, because the facility is not in fact a hotel and (we have never purported to be one, and that Nygard Cay is not con ducting commercial activities. Today, the Nygard Cay website advertises the property as a private luxury resort and a unique private residence with the facilities of a resort, which include: replicas of Mayan tem ples, private tennis and volley ball courts, beaches, pool, disco club, state-of-the-art home theatre, and 20+ themed cabanas for (Mr Nygard many celebrity guests who wish to get away for a serene sabbatical. A website promoting unusual villa and island rentals states: For only $42,000 in 2008 your group of celebrities, executives, sports moguls or any person cel ebrating a birthday, anniversary, seminar, wedding, or vacation can have a trip of a lifetime. Special 4-hour dinners are available for $300 per additional person above 20 people. Special daily rentals in 2008 are $42,000 per day for the first 20 people and each additional person for a full day event will be $500. Several websites on the Inter net contain similar information about rental facilities and rates. Mr Gibson said these pro motional websites are not Nygard Cay sanctioned websites. In fact we have long time ago demanded for them to take it down, but we believe they have ceased business many years ago, he said. Vincent Vanderpool Wallace, Minister of Tourism and Avia tion (MOT ment does not promote Nygard Cay, because it is not a licensed property. For the same reason he said, Nygard Cay receives none of the benefits of the Hotel Encouragement Act, such as being promoted by the tourism promotions board in the MOT. He also said he would be sur prised if Nygard Cay had a restaurant licence or a night club licence. Nygard Cay is known for its extravagant parties. An exclus ive group of Bahamians frequent the property on Sundays for the popular pamper party, according to a former visitor. For years, Nygard Cay has played host to New Years Eve parties for A-List celebrities. Anyone can wake up tomor row and decide they are going to sell their property to people they wish to have visit and pay. People have bed and breakfast homes, villas, houses that they lease every day on the Inter net. That is a global phenomena. You wont find it being promoted by or assisted by the Ministry because it is not a licensed prop erty, said Mr Vanderpool Wallace. Some websites advertise a five per cent Bahamas tax along with the per day rental fee for Nygard Cay. A Nygard Cay spokesper sons said this information is contained on websites not sanc tioned by Nygard Cay. A T ribune s ource in the Min istry of Tourism said Nygard Cay does not pay a hotel room tax to the government. It could very well be a loophole in the system, why Nygard Cay is able to promote itself as a resort, when in fact it is not licensed as a hotel, said the s ource. Since last year, under the amended Hotel Act, owner occupied rental homes are regulated by the government. In order to rent a private home to a transient guest in the capacity as an operator of a hotel, an appli cation has to be made for status as an owner occupied rental home, said the Tribune source. The legislation is up for review by the Bahamas Investment Authority, and not all of the reg ulations apply to owner occupied rental homes; however, at this time they are required to pay a hotel guest tax, as are all hotels, said the source. Private homes owned by foreigners are governed by a tax structure determined by the Ministry of Finance and the Investment Authority. The permit issued states whether the prop erty is residential, commercial, owner occupied or regulated by some other category. Those zoned commercial are given permits with the right to rent and conduct commercial activity. Those that are zoned residential have to convert to owner occupied to rent their property. Anyone renting their property must pay hotel guest tax, said the source at the MOT. If they wish to have owner occupied status then they have to go to the Authority, then the Ministry of Finance to determine their tax status and then to the hotel license department. Only those that have received finance approval based on their tax status can be registered. Mr Vanderpool Wallace said the Bahamas government has always had a higher concern, so the resort status of Nygard Cay has not been on the front burner. He said the underlying problem is the status of the use of the land, where Mr Nygard operates his facility. The government has accused Mr Nygard of unauthorised expansion of his property over the seabed. There is an investigation under way. mits; has worked within the Bahamas building system throughout 20 years of construction with the full blessing of every government department, said Eric Gibson, property manager at Nygard Cay. He said the private residence of Mr Nygard was ready to employ more than 200 Bahamians, and invest between $50 and $70 million in the Bahamian economy, as soon as it gets its promised lease and permits from the government. In a telephone conversation Mr Gibson confirmed that Nygard Cay has no hotel licence, because the facility is not in fact a hotel and has never purported to be one. Out of 20 years of operation, Nygard Cay was rented seven times as a private residence (a practice that is common in the Lyford Cay Community): two times as the wedding reception to Lyford Cay residents; it has hosted many church groups, charity drives, underprivileged children outings and been the venue and the centrepiece for countless community service drives such as Ocean Watch, to preserve the waters and corals of (the letic fund raising, such as getting the Golden Girls into the 2000 Olympics, to name a few, said Mr Gibson. Nygard Cay has a private residence permit and has always and is continuing to operating under residency permit, he said. The government has recently accused Mr Nygard of unauthorised expansions of his property over the seabed at Simms Point, Lyford Cay, where his property is located. This is now being investigated. Last month, the Office of the Prime Minister issued a directive to Mr Nygard to remove structures erected on the land in question, and to reinstate the coastline at Simms Point. All government agencies were also advised not to approve any applications for construction on the land in question. Since a fire destroyed much of the property last year, efforts have been made to restore the facility. Last month, Mr Nygard expressed frustration about waiting for various government approvals to proceed with his plans to rebuild. He estimated the fire caused $50 million worth of investment. At the time, it was revealed that expansion plans included a suspended cable bedroom that lowers into the ocean, a dolphin interaction attraction, and a programme allowing guests to visit the propertys $2 million shark tank. F ROM page one Earl Deveaux C laims that forces trying to push Nygard out FROM page one A SECTION of Nygard Cay Share your news The Tribune wants to hear from people who are making news in their neighbourhoods. Perhaps you are raising funds for a good cause, campaigning for improvements in the area or have won an a ward. If so, call us on 322-1986a nd share your story.

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EDITOR, The Tribune. For the sake of clarity, lets refer to our crawfish by calling it a lobster. The season for capturing our lobster is closed from April 1st through July 31st, and will be opening on Sunday, with numerous fishermen, residents and others venturing out to cap ture some luscious lobsters for their use. The commercial fishermen will be leaving their home ports by Friday, to act as sentries to ensure that no one interferes with their traps on the eve of the opening. However, harvesting of lobsters has not ceased, as there are unscrupulous fishermen who continue to capture lob sters to sell to restaurants and others. So far this year, we know of two seizures of illegal lobsters on Grand Bahama, one with two hundred and five pounds, and another of seventy pounds. We have not heard what penalties were inflicted on them. Was it, or will it be just a slap on the wrist, or will the fisheries rules be utilised? Imagine how many other illicit harvests take place without thec ulprits being caught? There must be several of these each week on the whole island of Grand Bahama. I am sure that this goes on at all of our other islands. All restaurants have lobster on their menus, or could arrange to serve it, if requested. This is very wrong. We need our Fisheries Officers and our Police to become very active in stopping the harvesting of our lobsters during the closed season, but it will continue until our Fisheries Department bites the bullet and says that lobster will not be served during the closed season. Our commercial fish exporters should support this 100 per cent, as they are trying to receive prestigious international certifications such as the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC label for sustainable seafood products being marketed across the globe, which would enable them to export to the EU and elsewhere in the world. But oneo f the requirements is that we keep our Marine Resources in check to ensure sustainability. This cannot be done while the year round harvesting of our lobsters continues. The only way to reduce the closed season harvesting which goes on is to reduce the market by not allowing the sale of lobsters in restaurants during the closed season. Any lobster left in the restaurants at the close of business on March 31st, should be left in the deep freeze until August 1st. It is imperative that this be ordered by our Govern ments Fisheries Department, and I ask Minister Cartwright to get such law passed by our Cabinet as soon as possible so that we may be able to have a sustainable lobster fishery, and get the necessary certification needed to help our exporters. Friends of the Environment, the Bahamas Marine Exporters Association, the Bahamas National Trust, all commercial fishermen wishing to export to the EU and elsewhere together with other interested persons should jump on the bandwagon and insist that Government pass that legislation to be effec tive before April 1, 2011. Let us not push this aside! Start pushing for this to happen, and it will. Yours for a sustainable fishery. H AROLD SONNY WAUGH Nassau, July 26, 2010. C M Y K C M Y K EDITORIAL/LETTERS TO THE EDITOR PAGE 4, MONDAY, AUGUST 16, 2010 THE TRIBUNE The Tribune Limited NULLIUS ADDICTUS JURARE IN VERBA MAGISTRI Being Bound to Swear to The Dogmas of No Master LEON E. H. DUPUCH, Publisher/Editor 1903-1914 SIR ETIENNE DUPUCH, Kt., O.B.E., K.M., K.C.S.G., ( Hon.) LL.D., D.Litt P ublisher/Editor 1919-1972 Contributing Editor 1972-1991 EILEEN DUPUCH CARRON, C.M.G., M.S., B.A., LL.B. Publisher/Editor 1972Published Daily Monday to Saturday Shirley Street, P.O. Box N-3207, Nassau, Bahamas Insurance Management Building., P.O. F-485, Freeport, Grand Bahama TELEPHONES Switchboard (News, Circulation and Advertising A dvertising Manager (242 Circulation Department (242 Nassau Fax: (242 Freeport, Grand Bahama: 1-(242 WEBSITE www.tribune242.com updated daily at 2pm THE devastating earthquake that rocked Haiti in January was unleashed by a previously undetected fault line not the wellknown one scientists initially blamed, according to an analysis of new data. It's unclear how dangerous the new, unmapped fault might be or how it's discovery changes the overall earthquake hazard risk for Haiti, said Eric Calais, a professor of geophysics at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Ind. He said the analysis shows that most, if not all, of the geologic movement that caused January's magnitude-7.0 earthquake occurred along the newly uncovered fault, not the well-documented Enriquillo fault. Calais, who presented the findings this week at a scientific conference in Brazil, said they suggest Haiti's seismic zone is far more complex than scientists had anticipat ed. But the new fault's profile, including the possibility that it merges with the Enriquillo fault at some depth, won't be known until scientists intensively study the region. "If there are other faults capable of producing earthquakes besides the Enriquillo and this new one we need to know about them. We need to go after them," he said from Brazil by telephone. Calais said that at the time of the quake, Haiti had no seismic stations. Researchers who flocked to the Caribbean nation have since installed about 10 stations to monitor the earth's movement. Ross Stein, a geophysicist with the U.S. Geological Survey in Menlo Park, Calif., said Calais' findings were fascinating and raise many questions about the complexity of Haiti's faults and what actually occurred during January's quake. But he said the discovery is not surprising, given the many unknowns about earthquakes. Stein noted that even in California, whose many faults have been closely studied, about half of all moderate or stronger quakes occur on previously unknown faults. "I work in a humbling field where we're constantly reminded of the depths of our ignorance," he said. "And if that's the case in California, then perhaps we shouldn't be surprised it also occurs to us in Haiti a country that has barely been scoured at all." The discovery is the sort of revelation that often comes after big earthquakes, when scientists descend on quake-ravaged sites to conduct intensive research, USGS geophysicist Bruce Presgrave said, adding "it's part of the learning process of science." Earthquakes typically occur along fault lines, areas where two sections of the Earth's crust grind past each other. When decades or centuries of accumulated stress become too great at a fault boundary, the land gives way, causing an earthquake. The first sign that the Enriquillo fault might not be to blame in the Haiti quake came when geologists didn't find any surface disturbance along the east-west fault. Instead, data pointed to new, unknown fault because an area north of the Enriquillo fault had been forced upward and to the south, Calais said. The new findings are based on surface observations in the devastated region around Port-au-Prince, global positioning system measurements and other observations and data. Calais presented the research Tuesday at a meeting of the American Geophys ical Union in Foz do Iguacu, Brazil. In 2008, he warned that growing stresses in southern Haiti had left the Enriquillo fault ripe for up to a magnitude 7.2 quake. He said this week that the information then wasn't conclusive enough to say whether those stresses were building up along the Enriquillo fault, or some other fault. This article was written by Rick Callahan, Associated Press Writer Dual citizenship for Haitians Hip hop artist and presidential hopeful Wyclef Jean said Saturday that as leader he would work to change Haiti's constitution to allow dual citizenship and give many Haitians living abroad the right to vote in their homeland. The issue, reported the Associated Press, is central in Haiti where hundreds of thousands have emigrated to flee poverty and the money they send to relatives back home is a vital source of income in the earthquakeravaged Caribbean nation. Currently, Haitians who emigrate must renounce their Haitian citizenship if they become citizens of another country, making them unable to vote or run for office in their homeland. Jean himself left Haiti for New York City when he was nine, but never sought U.S. citizenship. The former Fugees frontman told The Associated Press that his presidency would be a "bridge" between the Haitians abroad and those living in the country. Harvesting of lobsters during closed season must stop LETTERS l etters@tribunemedia.net Scientists: Newly found fault caused quake E DITOR, The Tribune. Todays Tribune has the following front p age article: Govt bid to put clamp on Nygard. This story has received a fare amount of attention over the last month or two, after an eighbours house was raided by police. Subsequent reports confirmed that there were no i llegal findings. T odays article tells us that Mr Nygard has y et to comply with a directive issued by the Office of the Prime Minister. Further, it is reported that the mini development has been expanded over the last several years, with only some of the work being authorised by Gov ernment. What about the man-made beach? It appears that the matter was referred to the AGs office since January, but there is little hope here. What about all the parties and noise pollu tion? The authorities were very quick to move on a residence in the East when this type of activity was taking place. Frankly, I am surprised that the Lyford Cay community and their Association have not been able to put greater fire under the Government. I could go on, but the article clearly gives the impression that something is not right. I smell a rat! N ow what about me? If I tried to add on a room to my little house in Sea Breeze without a permit, the government would be all over m e. And lets not even get into all the red tape that local businesses have to go through to get approvals for business expansion, open ing new stores, etc. I could list story after sto-r y of what some local businesses have been through, because they chose to do their activi ties through the proper channels. Y et it appears that to the western end of t he island, we have a different set of rules for certain individuals. I certainly have no problem with foreigners coming into the country, but if they are going to live above the law, as far as I am concerned, they can take the next flight out no matter what benefit they may bring to the Bahamas. There is no benefit here anyway. The government should move in with bull dozers and tear the structures down that have been built illegally. What message are we send ing to the masses, when we allow someone to blatantly ignore our laws and directives from the highest office in the land? As far as I am concerned, Bahamians should be mad as hell. JEROME R PINDER Nassau, August 12, 2010. Are the laws for Bahamians and foreigners different in Bahamas?

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PLP SENATOR Anthony Musgrove called on the government to avoid using major financial projects such as Baha Mar as a political football in election campaigns. Highlighting the need for a better factual versus emotional dialogue on the matter, Mr Musgrove said any significant boost to the Bahamian economy with its 17 per cent level of unemployment is much needed at this time. However, whenever details of these investments are brought into the public domain, it appears that only the perceived negative aspects emerge from various spheres, the senator said. While it is healthy to have public discourse relative to the pros and cons of significant projects, Mr Musgrove added that it is strongly recommended that such discourse be based more on facts and less on emotions. The concern that has arisen is that even without the complete details of the proposed Baha Mardeal, in many forums and medium, comments are being madeby some who appear to just reiterate unsubstantiated views and opinions, which could have neg ative ramification on the relationship of a valuable economic partner and friend of the Bahamas, the Peoples Republicof China. Construction Discussions to date on the proposed project appear to focus solely on the labour aspects during the construction phase. The debate surrounding the proposed importation of Chinese labourers to work on the Baha Mar multi-billion dollar project earmarked for Cable Beach on the island of New Providence has taken a more emotive angle. However, there are several facts and points that should be considered by contributors to this national dialogue. Acknowledging that the genesis of the Baha Mar project was during the Christie administration, although with different part ners (Harrahs nese, Mr Musgrove said the then Prime Minister Perry Christie made the point on numerous occasions that the country need ed to wonder whether there was enough Bahamian workers to take advantage of the employ ment opportunities which were coming on stream. In moving forward with the Baha Mar project, as has been reported in the media, should result in the enhancement of the tourism product, which is an avenue the Ministry of Tourism and Ministry of Foreign Affairshave been working hard to realise. The mechanisms have already been implemented to tap into the rapidly growing and important Chinese tourism market through the establishment of a Bahamian Embassy in China with the ability to issue visas to Chinese wanting to visit the Bahamas. If the renewed project is approved, resulting in the Chinese investing billions of dollars in a single project, would not the Chinese expect a return on their investment? Therefore, it could be interpreted that such approval would create linkages, ie, marketing of the Bahamas in China, direct airlift from China to the Bahamas, and this would give rise to the success in the much sort after Chinese travel market, thus creating a new market for Bahamian tourism and assist in bolstering the tourism numbers and expenditure in a competitive industry, he said. While the current public debate relates to the impact the project can have on the unemployed in general and the construction sector in specific, Senator Musgrove added that any negative comments and stereotyping of the people and government of China can negatively affect other vital segments of the Bahamian economy. The Bahamas, being a major international financial centre and, given that international reports project that further growth for financial services lie in the BRIC countries (Brazil, Russia, India and China), the concern is that in pandering to those who believe that the Bahamas is a world unto itself and does not need to rely on the international community for development and growth and by narrowly focusing on the short term aspects of the Baha Mar project, comments about the people and directly and indirectly about the government of China could hinder the Bahamas from growing its financial services sector: human nature dictates that people are usually comfortable conducting business in environments where they feel that they are welcome and respected. Leaders It is obvious that a project of the proposed magnitude of Baha Mar would have detractors, and all views good and badabout the project should be heard, respected and considered. However, leaders have a responsibility to ensure that the costs and benefits of their views and remarks are properly weighted in light of the short and long term development of the Bahamas. Proponents and opponents of the Baha Mar project must consider the Bahamas development model, the current unemployment level where the related economic hardship and sufferings presently experienced by many Bahamians are real, when contributing to the dialogue on Baha Mar, he said. C M Y K C M Y K L OCAL NEWS T HE TRIBUNE MONDAY, AUGUST 16, 2010, PAGE 5 TO DISCUSS STORIES ON THIS PAGE LOG ON TO WWW.TRIBUNE242.COM Govt told:avoid using major projects as political football CALLONGOVT: Anthony Musgrove

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By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net F REEPORT A human rights activist is expressing concern over the reported cases of alleged police brutality against i ndividuals while in custody on Grand Bahama. Joseph Darville, vice president of the Grand Bahama H uman Rights Association, wants timely investigations to be conducted into the recent spate of brutality allegations. He was very disturbed to l earn that some of the alleged incidents described by suspects were similar to those perpetrated on suspected terrorists inG uantanamo Bay, Cuba. The latest brutality incident the third in recent weeks is alleged to have occurred when a 3 3-year-old man claimed he was beaten by officers while in custody. According to reports, Quinton Symonette was taken into custody and questioned in con-n ection with the whereabouts of Garin Gibson, who is wanted by police. Symonette claimed officers stood on his wrists while hand c uffed and on his legs trying to force him to reveal his friendsw hereabouts. He also alleged he saw an officer put a bag over t he face of another man. Samiko Rigby has also claimed he was brutalised by officers while in custody in connection with an armed robberyi nvestigation. Rigby was charged in court on Wednesday. Glen Laing, 26, has also c laimed police officers beat, tied him up, stripped off his clothing, and dunked him into the sea until he lost consciousness. Mr Darville said the association has not intervened due to assurance by both heads of the police in New Providence and on Grand Bahama that these r eports will be investigated. Both Mr Quinn McCartney and Mr Ellison Greenslade are honourable and enlightened leaders and we are confident that they will deal with these matters expeditiously. Safety They are sworn to uphold t he safety and dignity of all citizens of this country and without regard to the status of anyone; ordinary persons or e nforcers of the law, officers are bound by law and oath to scrupulously safeguard the rights o f all, he said. Mr Darville said if the GBHRA is not satisfied with the progress and transparency of the proceedings, it will noth esitate to call on all national, regional and international agen-c ies concerned with human rights to put pressure on the g overnment to act in accordance with the statues, protocols and declarations clearly spelled out in the UNs charters which govern fair, honourable, and digni-f ied treatment of all citizens. Our country has already b een blacklisted with respect to the ongoing allegations and proven acts of brutality against o ur own citizens. We as a nation must not stand by idly and allow our good reputation to be further tarnished by a few dishonourable thugs on the police force, he said. Mr Darville agrees with the Commissioner of Police that w ithin the act of attempting to capture suspected criminals, from time to time police officers may have to use a certain degree of physical force. However, the reports reaching the association are those where individuals are already in police custody and in an attempt t o wrestle confessions out of them, they are subjected to dehumanising tactics as reprehensible as those perpetrated on suspected terrorists in Guantanamo Bay, he said. He stated that to enclose a suspect in a body bag or attempt to smother him with a plastic bag over his head is indeed ana ct of terrorism and should be constituted as attempted mur-d er. Such individuals have no r ight to be on our police force a nd the least punishment of them should be incarceration f or a good long time. He stressed that an individu al is considered innocent until proven guilty. We call on the Ministry of National Security, Commissione r of Police and all his senior assistants to do everything in their power to restore and maintain integrity, dignity, and confidence in our police force, Mr D arville said. The vast majority of men a nd women who put their lives on the line to keep our Bahama land safe and secure, and we must not allow the few renegades to sully that level of com m itment. We know the extreme circ umstances under which they must operate. However, no situation can ever warrant the type of fre q uency of police brutality per petrated on suspects. C M Y K C M Y K LOCAL NEWS PAGE 6, MONDAY, AUGUST 16, 2010 THE TRIBUNE TO DISCUSS STORIES ON THIS PAGE LOG ON TO WWW.TRIBUNE242.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL US TODAY! MastersDegreeAPPLIED SOCIAL SCIENCEwith concentrations inPublic Administration, Urban Education (Reading ClassesbeginAugust23rd,2010 Concerns voiced over alleged police brutality

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By MEGAN REYNOLDS Tribune Staff Reporter mreynolds@tribunemedia.net TELEVISION viewers accused cable provider Cable Bahamas o f stealing signal this week when scrambled channels showed a message from digital television provider Direct TV. According to Minister Tommy Turnquest, in the past Cable Bahamas has denied this. The viewers spoke out on Gems Radio talkshow host Steve McKinneys show on Monday evening about how several channels lost signal just after 9 oclock Saturday night and a message fromDirect TV popped up. Mr McKinney claims that this indicates the cable provider used, o r is using, a local domestic Direct TV dish to transmit channels to its customers. Between nine and 12 channels were affected, Mr McKinney claimed. He has since attempted to contact Cable Bahamas and Direct TV for answers but when he received no response he spoke out about the incident on his radio show. He said: I got a lot of emails about it over the weekend and several calls during the show. And what happened is indicative that they were getting the signal from a local domestic dish. That is not supposed to happen. Often we will just take these things as they come, and accept things the way they are, but the truth is, if these things are happening they are wrong and should not be accepted. Mr McKinney said he forced Cable Bahamas to respond when he discovered the service provider was showing HBO, Showtime and Cinemax allegedly without authorisation in the 1990s and gota Cable Bahamas official to admit this on his show. Allegations were put to Cable Bahamas public relations manager Keith Wisdom on Tuesday, but Mr Wisdom said last week that senior management had not yet provided a response. Minister for Broadcasting Tommy Turnquest said he had not received any complaint about Cable Bahamas stealing signal and if he did there would be an investigation. If Cable Bahamas is stealing signal it would be breaking the l aw, Mr Turnquest said. I dont know if they are doing it or not, I have been in hotels and I have seen the same thing goes on. But Cable Bahamas has told me they dont steal signal. By MIKE LIGHTBOURN BEFORE you list your home for sale, youll need tof ind a Bahamas Real Estate Association broker or agent t o represent you. D o not hesitate to interview agents. After all, they will be working for you. A good agent will likely ask y ou questions. Good agents are also selec tive and should not take overp riced listings. A standard question is how l ong an agent has been in the business. The truth is that many freshly licensed agents are h ighly competent, hard work ing and have more time to devote to you. A s long as the agent has access to an experienced men tor, you should expect good service. E xperienced agents should know the market and be skilled in all areas, includingg iving your property maxi mum exposure, staging and negotiating. At the end of the day, its who you feel comfortable with. Regardless of whom you choose, the agent should be knowledgeable, energetic and enthusiastic. A second important ques tion concerns the best marketing plan or strategy to suit your particular listing. Sellers should ask: How do you plan to sell my home? Explain how you market online. Where and how often do you advertise? Show me a sample flyer. Will you have an open house for other brokers? What do you offer that the competition doesnt? Your third question should be for references. This generally should come from satisfied previous customers. What separates you from the competition? A good agent should be able to answer this without missing a beat. Besides honesty and per sonality, make sure the agent: Is available at short notice by phone and e-mail Will show after regular work hours and on weekends with your consent Has good communica tions skills Has an analytical mind Review the listing contract before signing A professional real estate agent will ask you to review the listing agreement before you sign. They will be avail able to answer any questions you may have about the agreement. Is there anything else I should know? This is important because y our professional BREA agent can offer invaluable advice. This will cover prepar i ng your home for sale, viewing hours and so on. T ip of the week. W ork with the BREA agent you feel comfortable with. Take his/her advice on pricing. Dont forget, if you want to sell, you DO NOT determine the price, the open market does. This is where your agent can assist. (Mike Lightbourn is of Coldwell Banker Lightbourn Realty) Questions or comments? Email me at ask@ColdwellBankerBahamas.com C M Y K C M Y K L OCAL NEWS T HE TRIBUNE MONDAY, AUGUST 16, 2010, PAGE 7 TO DISCUSS STORIES ON THIS PAGE LOG ON TO WWW.TRIBUNE242.COM How to find a real estate agent Viewers accuse Cable Bahamas of stealing signal R EALESTATE

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By ADRIAN GIBSON ajbahama@hotmail.com IN THIS hyper-partisan and thorny political environment, Ive given careful consideration to the Cabinet assemblage and decided to confer grades as a measurement of ministerial performances, to rate the FNMs term in governance thus far and differentiate between those top tier ministers and those who, in my view, have mismanaged the skyhigh expectations of the Bahamian people and thereby should be relegated to the third tier as half and one-star ministers. Today, as a nation, we are gripped by simmering economic, political and social issues. The country faces soaring deficits and record public debt due to a depressed economy, the gloomof joblessness, legalistic footdragging, crime spiraling out of control and New Providence becoming one of the homicide capitals of the hemisphere with the Bahamas as home to an increasingly imprudent, fiercely partisan political culture. The government must also initiate an economic and social plan to reduce overcrowding on New Providence. During this economic recession, the government has seemingly sought to promote fiscal austerity and has curbed public spending in an age when the economies of most countries are teetering on a cliff and, daily, businesses are being shuttered. Although a motley mix of personalities comprises the Cabinet, the government has not b een subject to overwhelming criticism and condemnation for lethargy, inefficiency, slackness and all-around ineptitude. Indeed, within the ministerial ranks are an assortment of gogetters and hard workers, whilst others appear to be wilting under pressure and seem only compar able to cart horses with no pedigree. Honestly, there are some ministers whose feeble performances, lily-livered nature and wringing of hands should have left them handcuffed to the backbenches of Parliament. Frankly, there are those who are mere talking heads and need personality transplantsunderachievers whose ministerial supervision has been mired in mediocrity, leaving one to wonder if they are mentally on a beach, building sandcastles and collecting seashells. This year, due to my law studies, the ministerial report card comes a bit late. And so, without further ado, here is the report card! Loretta Butler-Turner has been unimpressive to date. As Minister of State for Social Services, she appears to be more s ound and fury than substance, sometimes becoming so engrossed with engaging former minister and Yamacraw MP Melanie Griffin that its difficult to determine what she is doing. Comparably, Mrs Griffins tenure was much more of a success story. Whilst the governm ent has provided more funding to the Department of Social Services due to the current economic circumstances, the disabled are still outdoors, homelessness has mushroomed, a sizeable number of children can be seen begging on the streets or peddling items such as phone cards, fruit and clothing, and soup kitchenswhich are being overwhelmed by poor persons seeking mealsare not getting donations and adequate social service assistance. The Simpson Penn School for boys is apparently also an unsafe setting, now catering to nearly three times it capacity. The junior ministers ineffective public relations and what appears to be recurrent tardiness gives the impression of ineptitude. With consideration for her improved efforts since last years grading exercise, she earns a Dplus. This year, Neko Grant the Minister of Works, has transformed from a non-achiever to an achiever. Although the Works Minister lacks public appeal, he has overseen long overdue transport improvements. Mr Grant has grown into the job in a fashion that has surprised many people. Mr Grant has taken on the mammoth task of alleviating traffic by ensuring that massive road works are undertaken, that sidewalks are created and by erecting street signage. The minister has also efficiently handled capital works such as the port and Fam ily Island infrastructural development. However, Mr Grant must ensure that government buildings/officeseven if it means using prisonersare freshly painted and not in the usual unkempt state. The ministers greatest downfall thus far has been poor planning and coordination, particularly in terms of public relations and consultation relative to the traffic reversal/change on Blue Hill Road and Market Street. Frankly, the road change has caused some aggravation with motorists; however, some Bahamians are known to gratuitously resist any change that disrupts the status quo. Furthermore, claimsseveral legitimately have been advanced that the road change adversely affects businesses along the Blue Hill/Market Street corridors. Greater consultation should have included flyers, door-to-door visitation, more town hall meetings and a great deal of radio and television appearances. He earnsa B-minus. Minister of Housing Kenneth Russell earns a B. Mr Russell initially came into a ministry that was a hornets nest. The minister appears to be genuinely appraising the housing situation, informing the public about related matters and inviting potential homeowners to sign-up for houses. Recently, the ministers warning of persons living on Crown Land in a rodent-infested shanty town adjacent to Pride Estates, showed compassion, as he gave a time frame for them to improve their conditions, working out a payment plan with the government and allowing his ministry to develop the area, and also firmness, as he warned that that those who fail to comply will be removed and have their slumlike dwellings razed. In recent years, much of the ministrys efforts have been dedicated to addressing repairs to houses, conducting audits and other in-house alterations; recently reducing the required down payment needed for homeownership; offering land for purchase to qualified buyers ; and overseeing the construction of subdivisions such as Ardastra Estates, Pride Estates II, Dignity Gardens II and subdivisions in Grand Bahama. Mr Russell should also press for the redevelopment of the Over-the-Hill area. To be continued tomorrow C M Y K C M Y K PAGE 8, MONDAY, AUGUST 16, 2010 THE TRIBUNE TO DISCUSS STORIES ON THIS PAGE LOG ON TO WWW.TRIBUNE242.COM Does the government make the grade? Y OUNG M AN S V IEW ADRIANGIBSON MINISTERIALREPORTCARD: Loretta Butler-Turner, Neko Grant and Kenneth Russell.

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C M Y K C M Y K L OCAL NEWS T HE TRIBUNE MONDAY, AUGUST 16, 2010, PAGE 9 TO DISCUSS STORIES ON THIS PAGE LOG ON TO WWW.TRIBUNE242.COM The Mercedes-Benz C-ClassYour most enjoyable drive ever.The Mercedes-Benz C-Class is a pleasure tobehold offering a new interpretation of driving pleasure. Its taut lines lend it an air of effortless superiority while the wide radiator grille and distinctive rear section announce a vehicle with a real presence and dynamic personality. Few cars can compete with its ability to adjust so many facets of its character from the interior to the drive technology so quickly and precisely in response toexternal conditions and your own p articular needs. The key to this flexible response is the standard-fit Agility Control Package which includes selective damping. The interior offers noticeably more space and a more distinctive atmosphere tosuit your taste. As you will see, the C -Class is the perfect embodiment of the Mercedes-Benz philosophy.Tyreflex Star MotorsWulff Road, P. O. Box N 9123, Nassau, The Bahamas, Tel 242.325.4961 Fax 242.323.4667OUR PARTS DEPARTMENT IS FULLY STOCKED WITH EVERY COMPONENT NECESSARY TO ENSURE THAT YOUR MERCEDES RUNS TROUBLE FREE. TRAINED TECHNICIANS ON DUTY. Getdiscountedshippingratesandcompleteordertracking fromourpreferredshipper.Visit Lowes.com/International, order by fax at 704-757-0634, or e-mail international@Lowes.com.2010byLowes.Allrightsreserved.LowesandthegabledesignareregisteredtrademarksofLF,LLC.*Seestorefordetails.Findeverydaylowprices onhurricanesupplies. Loweshasthesuppliesyouneedtogetreadyforhurricaneseason,including portablegenerators,stormshutters,batteries,ashlightsandmore,allateveryday lowprices.Ifyoundalowerpriceonthesameitem,wellbeatitby10%.*Justvisit ourstoreorshoponlineatLowes.com/International. tion, it notes that following the January 12 earthquake in Port au Prince, the government of the Bahamas was understanding and responsive by temporarily suspending its apprehension exercises with respect to Haitians residing illegally in its territory. Further, the statement read, the department issued permits to reside to 102 persons who were detained at the Bahamas Detention Centre,on Carmichael Road. However, having regard to the recent heightened infringement of the Bahamas Immigration Law, notice is hereby given that with immediate effect, all illegal immigrants are requested to leave the Bahamas voluntarily. All persons who are here illegally are in contravention of the laws of the Bahamas, and are advised to return to their country of origin or be subject to apprehension and deportation. Persons who are found to be in the Bahamas illegally will be repatriated forthwith, the statement read. This statement from the department was also issued in Creole and is printed in full in todays Tribune Mr Symonette: As a country we have to have a nation-wide discussion on immigration. One thing we have to do is look at what other coun tries (in our region only allow you to come and work for three years for instance, and you are not allowed to bring your wife, or your children. The same goes for education, and healthcare. It is not a part of that consideration they give to non-national labour. But we do. We may have to re-look at all of these things and decide what is the level of non-Bahamian workforce that we need. To answer this question, Mr Symonette said we can ask ourselves how many Bahamians are willing or prepared to be gardeners or household keepers. While some might argue that Bahamians are capable and willing to work in any field, the Minister said there are instances where persons have simply sought to remain unemployed instead of taking a job that might pay less than t hey desire. However, when it comes to making a dent in the flow of illegal immigrants, Mr Symonette said there needs to be amendments to the immigration laws to plug any loopholes that smug glers might exploit, as well as a drastic change in the thinking of Bahamians who continue to employ these illegal workers. agement, increased volume of garbage, and concerns relatedto privatisation of the management of the solid waste site and possible privatisation of residential collection. The minister acknowledged there was a heightened level of complaints this summer throughout the capital, with res idents bemoaning unpre dictable and insufficient service. Some sanitation workers cit ed reduced operating hours as t he root cause of the decrease in service, because workers now had to manage an ever-increasing demand within set time con straints. However, Mr Deveaux discredited the notion that the sporadic waste collection was due to the removal of overtime from the budget, and pointed out that a further review of funds allocated would indicate an increase in resources. He highlighted an average of $500,000 in increases to con tractual services/Family Island operations; and repairs and maintenance of capital assets within the Department of Environmental Health service. The garbage collection is not affected by budget cuts, said Mr Deveaux. There are issues of supply chain management, logistical management and management of fleet. These, more than anything else, affect the sporadic and ineffective collection and they are being dealt with. THE DEPARTMENT OF IMMIGRATIONS STATEMENT IN CREOLE READS AS FOLLOWS: Ministe Afe Etranje AK Imigrasyon Bahamas Depatman Imigrasyon Nou we genyen anpil ilegal Ayisyen ki vini nan Bahamas la depi sis denye mwa ki pase yo e an patikilye diran de denye semen yo. Gouvenman Bahamas La vle raple publik la an jeneral politik li konsenan tout etranje de tout peyi tankou Ayiti ki antre nan Bahamas ilegalman. Dipi tranbleman dete ki tie pase nan mwa Janvye 2010 The Gouvenman Bahamas la te genyen anpil konpreanyon e li te fe sispann depotasyon Ayisyen yo ki rete nan Bahamas la ilegalman. Anplis Depatman Imigrasyon Bahamas La tye bay 102 moun ki te nan Sant Detansyon an, Carmichael Road pemisyon residans tanpore. Konsiderman eta flagran ke moun ap viople lwa iomigrasyon nan Bahamas La, le yap vini san pemisyon. Gouvenman Bahamas La mande pou tout moun kap viv nan Bahamas La san Papye pou yo kite teritwa Bahamas La volonteman san dele. Tout kontrevenan a lwa Bahamas La navise yo pou yo retounen nan peyi yo imediatman pou yo pa sije nan arestasyon ak depotasyon. Tout moun ke leta jwenn nan pey a ilegalman yap dsije nan depotasyon san dele. Nassau, 12 daout, 2010 FROM page one Labour Leave now illegal immigrants told FROM page one

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BySIR RONALD SANDERS (The writer is a Consultant a nd former Caribbean Diplomat). THE military leader of Fiji, Commodore Frank Bainimarama, recently said that he would like to cut his c ountrys ties with neighb ouring Australia and New Z ealand and align with China. His statement would find little support amongst the people of Fiji who value their long and deep relationship with Australia and N ew Zealand. B ainimaramas reason for s aying he would sever ties with Australia and New Zealand and align Fiji to C hina has nothing to do with the interests of his country or his people. It is entirely to do with Bainimaramas perception that China would be tolerant ofh is government which resulted from a coup dtat four years ago. Both Australia and New Zealand countries to which many Fijians have emigrated and who are Fijis b iggest trading partners h ave seriously objected not o nly to the military coup, but also to the fact that Bainimarama has failed to hold democratic elections at w hich a civilian government c ould be elected. Neither c ountry shows any sign of l etting-up on their objection t o a serious violation of d emocracy in Fiji. The Commonwealth a grouping of 54 nations of which Fiji was a member along with Australia and New Zealand suspended Fiji from the Councils of the C ommonwealth immediatel y after the Coup, and the Commonwealth Ministerial A ction Group (CMAG p ended the country fully f rom the Commonwealth in 2009 after further gross viol ations of the Constitution b y the Bainimarama regime, i ncluding the dismissal of judges who ruled that hisr egime was illegal. A ustralia and New Zealand are in the forefront of upholding CMAGs posi tion in Fiji. And, they are not alone. Other big Commonwealth nations such as Britain, Canada and India i nsist that a condition of m embership of the Com monwealth must be adher-e nce by governments to the d emocratic values and princ iples to which the organisations member states have declared themselves to bec ommitted. Fortunately for the people who live in the Fiji Islands, neither Australia n or New Zealand has i mposed tough sanctions or bans. Had they done so the Fijian economy already suffering from the consequences of a military government would have col-l apsed, and the people of the Islands would have suffered extreme hardship. A significant amount of their exports and their tourism would have been adversely affected creating high unemp loyment and increased p overty. There would also h ave been a greater exodus of qualified people than there has been. Australia and New Z ealand have chosen i nstead to join their fellow m embers of the Commonw ealth in keeping up press ure on the Fijian regime to r estore democracy in the country. They have also relied on the good offices role of the Commonwealth Secretary-General to find ways of opening up an effective dialogue with the Fijian r egime to return the country t o democracy. So far, these efforts have f ailed amid Bainimaramas d etermination to maintain C M Y K C M Y K PAGE 10, MONDAY, AUGUST 16, 2010 THE TRIBUNE TO DISCUSS STORIES ON THIS PAGE LOG ON TO WWW.TRIBUNE242.COM Human rights are not for sale WORLDVIEW I I n n a a w w o o r r l l d d w w h h e e r r e e h h u u m m a a n n a a n n d d c c i i v v i i l l r r i i g g h h t t s s a a r r e e i i n n c c r r e e a a s s i i n n g g l l y y b b e e i i n n g g d d e e f f i i l l e e d d , m m a a n n y y w w i i l l l l l l o o o o k k t t o o t t h h e e C C o o m m m m o o n n w w e e a a l l t t h h t t o o r r a a i i s s e e t t h h e e b b a a n n n n e e r r o o f f d d e e m m o o c c r r a a c c y y a a n n d d t t o o p p u u s s h h f f o o r r i i t t t t o o b b e e u u p p h h e e l l d d . Sir Ronald Sanders

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The Bahamas opened the North American and Caribbean Rugby Association (NARCA Championships with a dominating 26-6 win over the reigning champions, Cayman Islands, Saturday at the Winton Rugby Center. It was the first win for the Bahamas of Pool A which also includes Bermuda. Pool B includes Mexico, Trinidad and Tobago and Bar bados. In the second game on opening day, Trinidad and Tobago topped 2009 runners-up Mexi co, 26-12. The Bahamas will face Bermuda in its second match of the Championship, today at 3pm at the pitch in Winton, while the 5pm matchup will See Barbados debut against Trinidad and Tobago. Last year, the Bahamas finished sixth in the NARCA Under 19s, while the Cayman Islands protected home field. Bahamas crush Cayman Islands BASEBALL FREEDOMFARMSUFFER T HEIR FIRSTDEFEAT AFTER winning their first two games at the Babe Ruth/Cal Ripken Major/60 World Series in Wilson County, North Carolina, Freedom Farm suffered their first defeat yesterday. I t took seven innings as Freedom Farm fell 5-4 to Visalia, California. Manager Greg Burrows Jr. said despite the loss, the team still played a pretty good game and he was confident that they will be able to r ebound and move on in the tournament. Myron Johnson suffered the loss on the mound before a large crowd at the Onnie Cockrell Complex at the Rock Ridge Elementary School. Freedom Farm won their first two games in the tournament, blanking Springfield 5-0 in their opener on Thursday behind the superb pitching of Kirby Albury; the home run from Chavez Young and the 1-for-2 production from Lucius Fox with a RBI and run scored. On Friday in their second game, the Bahamas knocked off the host Wilson County 6-1 as Anthony Vil lone was the winning pitcher and he helped his own cause by going 2-for-3 with two RBI, scoring a run. Myron Johnson also went 2-for-3 with a RBI, scoring twice. Individual stats from Sun days game was not available. By virtue of losing that game, Freedom Farm will now have to play a game just about every day if they intend to advance to the playoffs. Their next game is sched uled for today against Grand Forks. The tournament will wrap up on August 19. TRAC K THOMAS FINISHES THIRD F ORMER world champion Donald Thomas finished third in the mens high jumpa t the Aviva Diamond By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net THEY wanted the gold medal, but the Bahamas mens national team will have to settle for bronze as the 13th Caribbean Volleyball Championships came to a close yesterday in Paramaribo, Suriname. The Bahamas chances to advance to the final were thwarted when they l ost a five-set thriller, 25-20, 25-22, 22-25, 19-25 and 15-11 to Trinidad & Tobago on Saturday night in the semifinal. The loss forced the Bahamas to play for the bronze. In that match against Guadeloupe yesterday, the Bahamas prevailed with a three-set victory, 2520, 25-22 and 25-14. It was the fiurst medal won by the Bahamas in more than a a decade. We had a meeting with the Trinidad & Tobago coach and his words to us was that with our team having an average age of 25, they were very mature as a team, said mens head coach Ray mond Wilson. He felt that we had the team that should have won the tournament, but there were some calls that went against us. He also felt that we should have won our semifinal game. But he encouraged us to stay together because he see a new era in mens volleyball for the Bahamas. Wilson concurred with the Trinida dian coach, noting that the Bahamian team was very resilient and they played with a lot of maturity for their age. They knew the game very well. Unfortunately, we will not be bringing the gold medal back home, which was our majority objective here because it meant a lot to us. It doesnt just say that were number one in the Caribbean, but it goes a long way in us securing the sponsorship from the Bahamian pub lic. Prior to leaving for the tournament, Wilson said at the eleventh hour, they were still not certain whether or not they would have made the trip, or if they would have had to trim the teams down because of the lack of funding. Had they not travelled, Wilson said the Bahamas could have been suspend ed from international play and also hit with a fine from the FIVA. But he noted that they were able to make the trip and still managed to win the bronze. As for the womens team, coached by Joseph Joe Mo Smith, Wilson said they ended up in fifth place. We lost basically five starters due to National team settle for bronze after losing five-set thriller sports NOTES n THE NORTH AMERICAN AND CARIBBEAN RUGBY ASSOCIATION (NARCA) MENS UNDER-19 CHAMPIONSHIP SEE page 14 SEE page 14 n SURINAME: THE 13TH CARIBBEAN VOLLEYBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS Men s youth team win 26-6 ATFULLSTRETCH: Bahamian and Cayman players reach for the ball. T i m C l a r k e / T r i b u n e s t a f f T i m C l a r k e / T r i b u n e s t a f f BATTLEISJOINED: T he Bahamian pack wrestle with the Cayman Islands players for control of the ball. Bahamas went on to win 26-6. SEE page 14

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By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net WITH the New Providence Softball Associations regular s eason positions still up for grabs, the Y-II Shipping New Breed is right in the thick of things. On Saturday night at the Bankers Field at the Baillou Hills Sporting Complex, New Breed stopped the Del Sol Arawaks 8-1 in five innings via t he seven-run rule in the long game played. New Breed, coming off a 134 win over Dorsey Park on Thursday night, improved to 8-2 to remain in fourth place in the standings. Del Sol dropped into a two-way tie for seventh at 1-7. E ugene Pratt, who pitched back-to-back victories, said New Breed put together another good game, but its just an indication of what to expect from them as the remainder of the season progresses. I was a little tired from pitching two games in three n ights, said Pratt, who spun a five-hitter, striking out five for the win over Del Sol. But my guys played good defence behind him and they really hit the ball. So it wasnt much of a struggle. We got the job done. New Breed had Del Sol on the ropes for a shutout. But in the top of the fifth innings, the Arawaks avoided it with two out when Eddie Rolle reached all the way to second on an error by New Breeds center fielder Garfield Bethel, who slipped in the puddle of water on the outfield. After Cardinal Gilbert was intentionally walked, Remero Mortimer came through with a run-producing single to plate Rolle with their lone run. Then Andy Percentie drew a walk to load the bases. But Pratt managed to strike out Dwight Butler to end the game by abbreviation. This is the middle part of the season and we are gelling right now, Pratt said. While Pratt was able to get the job done on the mound, his team-mates did what they had to do offensively to put the game out of reach. In the bottom of the second, New Providence broke up a scoreless game when they put four runs on the scoreboard on just one hit. After walks to Angelo Bethel and Navardo Gilbert that sand wiched a strike out to Crachad Laing, Ken Wood Jr. had a RBI sacrifice fly that drove home Butler with the games initial run. Garfield Bethel followed with a hit by pitch and Martin Burrows Jr ripped a shot to right for a two-run double, scoring Gilbert and burrows before Jordan Gibson was struck out. New Breed came back in the third and put three more runs on the board. This time, Pratt led off with a single and he caught a ride home on Philip Farquharson run-producing triple. Another RBI triple from Angelo Butler drove home Farquharson before Gilberts RBI ground out knocked in Butler. Then in the fourth, New Breed got their final run as Garfield Bethel led off with a shot to center field that Eddie Rolle had trouble holding onto in the puddle. That enabled Martin Burrows Jr to follow with a runproducing double that plated Bethel. Losing pitcher Randy Spy Gibson, who issued just six hits with five strike outs, admitted that they allowed the game to get away from them. In the first two innings, we were right there with them, Gibson said. But coming down to the third and fourth innings, we made one or two mistakes that made the difference. We still have a lot more games to play and despite this loss, we still feel that we have a team that can be in the top four. We just had a couple of bad games, but when the smoke clear, we will be in the top four. C M Y K C M Y K SPORTS TRIBUNE SPORTS MONDAY, AUGUST 16, 2010, PAGE 13 TO DISCUSS STORIES ON THIS PAGE LOG ON TO WWW.TRIBUNE242.COM New Breed stop the Del Sol Arawaks 8-1 S OFTBALL T HESTANDINGS H eres a look at the team standings at the end of S aturdays action: T eams WLPct.GB Mens Division C ommando Security Truckers9 1 .900Dorin United Hitmen 8 1.888 1/2F reedom Farm Stingrays 6 1.857 11/2 Y -II Shipping New Breed 8 2 .800 1 Outlaws 5 5 .500 4 Dorsey Park2 9.181 71/2 Del Sol Arawaks 1 7 125 7 J ohns Buccaneers 1 7.125 7 Mighty Mitts0 8.000 8 L adies Division P roper Care Pool Lady Sharks 1 0 2 .833Pineapple Air Wildcats 7 3.700 2 B ommer G. Operators 6 4.600 3 Sigma Brackettes 5 7 .416 5 Black Scorpions 0 12 .000 10 IN THESWINGOFTHINGS: Y-II Shipping New Breeds right fielder Philip Farquharson swings his bat against the pitching of Del Sol Arawaks pitcher Randy Spy Gibson on Saturday night at the Bankers Field. Farquharson ended up with a run-producing triple and run scored in the third inning as New Breed went to win 8-1. PHOTOS: T im Clarke /T ribune staff READY F ORSCHOOL: Students, who showed up at the Bankers Field at the Baillou Hills Sporting Com p lex on Saturday night, received Back-to-School supplies from the New Providence Softball Association. A bove, NPSA president loretta Maycock and second vice president Neressa Seymour makes the presentation to the students. STANDAND DELIVER: Y-II Shipping New Breed ace pitcherE ugene Pratt delive rs a pitch as third baseman Jordan Gibson watches. Pratt pitched a five-hit, five-strike o ut performance i n New Breeds 81 win over the Del Sol Arawaks.

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C M Y K C M Y K SPORTS PAGE 14, MONDAY, AUGUST 16, 2010 TRIBUNE SPORTS TO DISCUSS STORIES ON THIS PAGE LOG ON TO WWW.TRIBUNE242.COM League held at the Crystal Palace in London, England on Saturday. Thomas cleared 2.27 metres or 7-feet, 51/2-inches, the same height as Russian Aleksandr Shustov. Howeve r, Thomas was awarded the position on fewer knockdowns. Russian Ivan Ukov won the event with a leap of 2.29 or 7-6 1/4. American Jesse Williams took second plce with the same height as T homas and Shustov, but he h ad fewer knockdowns. Also at the meet on Frid ay, sprinter Debbie Fergus on ran 22.88 seconds for second place. American Allyson Felix won in 22.37sec. A nd Leevan Superman Sands got fifth in the mens triple jump with a leap of1 6.57m or 54-4 1/4. Christian O lsson, the former Olympic a nd World champion from Sweden, won the event with a leap of 17.41m or 57-1 1/2. BASKETBALL BGDBA ACTION T HE Bahamas Governm ent Departmental Basketb all Association continued its regular season action on S aturday night at the DW Davis Gymnasium with four matches on tap. I n the opening match, the Police Royals handcuffed t he Prison Challengers 634 3. T he second game saw the B atelco Digitals dial up the P olice Enforcers 72-48; in the third game, the Real Deal Rangers out-last the B amboo Shack Aces and in the feature contest, the Police Crimestoppers stunned the Royal Bahamas Defense Force 75-66. sports NOTES Garfield Morrison, coach of the men's team, said the team was better prepared than last year, and are therefore looking forward to improving on their performance. "We spent a lot more time in preparation of our skill level," he said. "We have good overall team speed and we are physical. Morrison said he hoped the Bahamas would be able to protect home field as well with a promising group of players. "We have some good endurance and we have t he sunshine on our side, he said. We have s ome players that we expect to perform very well. If they do, we should do very well in this tournament. On Wednesday, Bermuda will take on the Cayman Islands while Mexico will square off against Barbados. The tournament concludes on Saturday, August 21st with three games on the schedule. The fifth place game, which features third place teams in both pools at 1pm, the third place game with both second place team from each pool at 3:30pm, and the final at 5pm. The Under 19 Championships run concurrently with the Women's 15 a-side Championships, also at the Winton Rugby Center. The tournament opened yesterday with Canadas Under 20 squad facing a Caribbean select team which features players from Trinidad& Tobago, Guyana, Jamaica, Barbados and St Vincent and the Grenadines. The Bahamas will debut its team Thursday against the Caribbean Select squad with their second match, Saturday against the Cayman Islands. This edition of the tournament marks the first time the US and Canada, will compete alongside teams from the Caribbean for the first time in the event. Elystan Miles, tournament coordinator and BRFU executive, said with the best facilities in the region, the Bahamas has laid the foundation to field competitive national teams, with the advent of a womens team a major step in the right direction. "This is a pretty big deal for us," said Miles, noting that this is the first time that the Bahamas has hosted such a prestigious event. "This is also the first time that we are having a ladies' team. "We're not really anticipating great things from them. We're just glad that they have final ly gotten a team together. This is the first step for women's rugby in the country." other commitments, said Wilson, pointing out that Kelsie Johnson indicated that she has retired, sisters Cherise and Krystel Rolle, along with their cousin Anishka, went on a family cruise and Tomasina Poitier was on maternity leave. Its difficult for a team to compete at a high level without five key players. But they played well throughout the tournament. It was probably one of the best performances Ive seen. They were very competitive. Wilson said the lack of playing together on a consistent basic had an effect on the outcome of their games. Changes But he said with a few changes in personnel in the future, the team should be able to play at a high level just as the men did. Katrina Johnson, Laval Sands, Davia Moss, Tia Wilson, Melinda Bastian, Tia Charlow and Camellia Miller were some of the key players who carried the team in the tournament. Up to the time of this interview, the final statistics were not yet released. But a number of the Bahamian male players were in the running for some of the individual awards. Byron Ferguson was the leading candidate for best hitter of the tournament; Jamal Ferguson was leading the way in the digging category and best libero; Renaldo Knowles was leading as best server and Prince Wilson was sitting in third place. None of the women were in contention for any individual awards. Both teams are due to return home this afternoon. National team settle for bronze following five-set thriller loss Bahamas crush Cayman Islands PHOTOS: Tim Clarke/Tribune staff P ANTHERSONTHEPROWL: T he Bahamas Basketball Federation continued its Summer of Thunder College Scrimmages on Saturday night at the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium. Two more games were played with the Georgia State Panthers pulling off their second straight game in as many days with an 88-87 decisiono ver the Grand Bahama All-Stars. The victory after Panthers knocked off the All-Stars 78-75 on Friday night. Georgia State will be back in action tonight against the Commonwealth Bank Giants. During the rest of the week, the University of Nebraska will be in action, starting on Tuesday night. Action will get started at 7 p .m. each night. SUMMEROFTHUNDERCONTINUES FROM page 12 FROM page 12 F ROM page 12 ON T HE CHARGE: Bahamian players take the game to the Cayman Islands. T i m C l a r k e / T r i b u n e s t a f f

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stressed the changes were not a response to negative behaviour. He said: We wanted to make some changes to Grand Bahama, as we were doing throughout the country, to improve instruction and continue to upgrade the performance of our students. A nother noted change to public education on the island this school year is the split of Jack Hayward High School into a junior and a senior high school. Mr Bannister said: We want to give students [at Jack Hayward] the same opportunity to achieve as students at St Georges have been achieving. In an interview with The Tribune yesterday, Mr Bannister told of an impromptu flight to the island to quell dissent against the changes. The minister met with disgruntled protesters from the school board at Walter Parker Primary School last week about the transfer of their principal of more than 20 years to Freeport Primary School. The protesters maintained that the ministry should have consulted them before making the change. Mr Bannister said: I met with them and heard their concerns. I didnt expect them to change their views, but I explained to them our decision and shared with them the appraisals of their new principal. I think they were satisfied. Though it is not mandatory for the Ministry to consult with public school boards concerning transfers, Mr Bannister said it was a good practice to which they plan to give greater consideration. He said: We are not mandated or legally required to consult with the boards, however it is good in terms of building relationships and admittedly the office in Grand Bahama did not advise the board. However it is something that we will try to do in the future. Also receiving a new principal by way transfer will be Hugh W Campbell Primary, while Bartlett Hill Primary and Maurice Moore Primary will receive the promoted vice-principals. Mr Bannister added: We are giving them all new vistas to deal with, new students and new opportunities this year. C M Y K C M Y K L OCAL NEWS T HE TRIBUNE MONDAY, AUGUST 16, 2010, PAGE 15 TO DISCUSS STORIES ON THIS PAGE LOG ON TO WWW.TRIBUNE242.COM NEW RATES& BILLING CHANGES EffectiveJuly1st,2010TheBahamasElectricityCorporation (BEC ProvidenceandtheFamilyIslands.Billingsforallconsumers during this transition period will be carried out as follows:BillsfortheserviceperiodMay16thtoJune15thwiththebillingdate July 3rd were mailed out on or around July 10th and were due for payment on July 23rd at the old rates; Bills for the service period June 15th to June 30th were estimated with a billing date of July 15th at the old rates. The bills for this abbreviated period are due for payment on August 6th; The new rate comes into effect for the service period commencing July1st,2010.Meterreadingsforthisserviceperiodwilltakeplace attheendofJuly,andbillswillbesentoutinmid-August.Paymentfor this period will become due on September 6th, 2010. Commercial accounts that were billed at the end of June at the old rates will receive their next bill at the end of July at the new rates. The new rates as of July 1st, 2010 will be as follows: RESIDENTIAL0-200 units per month10.95 cents per unit 201-800 units per month11.95 cents per unit Remaining units14.95 cents per unit Minimum monthly charge$5.00COMMERCIALAll units per month15.00 cents per unit Minimum monthly charge$10.00GENERAL SERVICEMONTHLY BILLS UNIT CHARGE KVA CHARGE Demand charge per month$11.36 per KVA 0-900,000 units per month8.70 cents per unit Remaining units per month6.20 cents per unit Minimum monthly charge$ 568.00TEMPORARY SUPPLIES16.38 cents per unit $20.00 connection fee $10.00 per month Meter RentalFUEL CHARGE(variable per unit to include total cost of fuel SPECIAL SERVICES Special Reading, Check Reading, Fuse Replacement $5.00 Meter Test Minimum charge$10.00 Visit with intent to disconnect Residential Consumer Commercial Consumer $10.00 $15.00 Reconnection Fee $20.00 Returned Cheque Fee$15.00 TARIFFBAHAMAS ELECTRICITY CORPORATION Should you have any inquiries please call 302-1786 or 302-1639 *Certain conditions apply. Do youwant tolower your interestrate and your monthly payments?Renance your mortgage with Scotiabank. It's a Smart Move. Justask.It's Time to Switch Your Mortgage!Lower Interest Rates*Discounted Legal Fees*Lower Monthly Payments* was enough. About 75 citizens showed up to a Thursday meeting, where they agreed by unanimous vote to protest. They (BEC p atience could you have? The power was off on Wednesday night at 10.45pm. For some people it was not restored until 6pm Thursday, the following day. Friday it went off again for four hours. Yesterday, (Saturday it went off at 6am and came back on at 11am. It went off at 1.30am this morning (Sunday they want, he said. Along with the inconvenience of the power outages, Mr Johnson said residents are losing refrigerators, generators, and general appliances due to the electrical spikes. In addition to the loss of personal items, the island councillor said tourists are becoming fed-up and leaving as well. Its 95 degrees at day, and 85 degrees at night. People are simply not sleeping. Folks on the island who have to get up in the morning to make breakfast and clean for the children who cannot sleep at night. Some of them cant take a shower because there is no water. But yet they must still get up and go serve the tourists. The community simply wants power. Wednesday when power was off, BEC was down here disconnecting people. There are so many people being affected. Last night, the number of people on the road simply trying to get release it is unbelievable, said Mr Johnson. Last week, BEC issued a statement asking residents of Harbour Island for patience as they work to resolve the islands lingering power supply problems. According to the corporation, the first two cuts, which lasted about 40 minutes each, were the result of power trips on the main line supplying electricity from the Hatchet Bay power station to Harbour Island. After the problem was resolved, the power had to be cut again for about an hour around 10am to allow BEC workers to replace faulty equipment at the Harbour Island Power Station. More power cuts followed. The statement said: BEC is presently in the process of completing the installation of a new supply route to the Harbour Island mainland. We are also in the process of testing our new facility at Hatchet Bay. Once these projects have been completed it is expected that the reliability of supply to the Harbour Island mainland will significantly improve and the interruptions to electricity services will diminish. H arbour Island residents F ROM page one FROM page one GBschools

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B y CHESTER ROBARDS B usiness Reporter crobards@tribunemedia.net A million dollar, the first of its kind in the w orld, medical tourism facility could open its doors i n the Bahamas as early as the first quarter of next year, bringing a revolutionary addiction cure and a fairly new type of visitor to the Bahamas, the project's chief telling Tribune Business yesterday, that two million dollars has already been raised and several US investors are on board. Dr Mark Puleo, who was also the b rainchild behind 1-800-pet-meds in t he US, said the addiction rehabilit ation facility could open up in weste rn New Providence as early as Febr uary 2011. A ccording to Dr Puleo, the proj ect could employ as many as 20 to 2 5 individuals, including Bahamian d octors, psychiatrists and staff. H e added that his company Ibocure, will be a "world class addic-t ion treatment facility" offering a r evolutionary drug called Ibogaine that is said to eradicate substancea buse in less time than other addiction treatments. While the drug has not been a pproved by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA t he company will be allowed to a dminister the drug here according t o the plans laid out by Ibocure, w hich were given the thumbs-up by t he Ministry of Health and the Mini stry of Tourism. I bocure's chief marketing officer, B onnie Levengood, said the comp any chose the Bahamas for its a ddiction rehabilitation centre because of its proximity to the US,i ts premier health care system and its a bility to meld the healing process with a relaxing atmosphere. T he company is considering a location only feet from the beach in an area just east of Sandyport. Dr P uleo said he could not release the details of the location while the comp any was still in talks with the owne r. We want people to feel relaxed," s aid Ms Levengood. We are attracting very high-end p eople and it will be expensive to g o, so we wanted to create an idyllic l ocation by the ocean so they feel l ike they can relax and attract their f riends and family. "It takes a stressful situation and m akes it relaxed and therapeutic. W e will take a very Zen-like approach to the development of thec entre which will be a spa-like world class facility." Dr Puleo said investors have a lready raised $2million for the startup of the facility. We need to refurbish the cent re," he said. H e added that the facility will be a ble to house at least 15 patients at a t ime and will require, nurses, cooks d octors and a host of other medical p rofessions. T he Bahamas Investment Authori ty (BIA h ad given the Miami-based medical tourism provider a green light too perate in the Bahamas, with the M inistry of Tourism and the Min istry of Health also giving approval. I bocure was incorporated last year and Minister of Tourism Vincent Vanderpool-Wallace said his office By CHESTER ROBARDS Business Reporter crobards@tribunemedia.net M EDICAL tourism needs Bahamian investors to help the industry grow and keep the wealth that can be made in the country, the chief of the medical pavilion told Tribune Business yesterday. D r Conville Brown said the country can benefit greatly from medical tourism, however, it will take Bahamian investors to make it pay off for the Bahamas. Dr Brown also added that while he is a proponent for medical tourism and opening up the sector to investors, the burgeoning industry will not see significant benefits from large foreign firms that may funnel a large part of its prof its out of the country to its investors and for other operational investments. "I am for medical tourism and I started to try to set up a facility for medical tourism more than ten years ago," Dr Brown said. "I think medical tourism can be very good and powerful for the country." However, he said Bahamian investment in medical tourism has not been widely accepted as yet and has even been impeded in one way or another. According to him, large foreign firms who want to bring medical tourism facilitates here to the Bahamas will only provide benefits to the Bahamas by way of hotel room nights and spending. "We will get the fringe benefits depending on how it is done," said Dr Brown. Positive "It can have a positive impact on the medial profession, the economy and the country as a whole and Bahamians can benefit be they professionals as well as employment opportunities. "If it is implemented in a non-participatory manor, meaning if the typical model is that x company comes in and provides service, they will bring their manpower, own the facility and bring their patients, and then they and the proceeds will all leave the country. We will be a domicile with little spin-off benefits except for the occasional hotel room." He added that the Bahamas is a perfect location for medical tourism because of its proximity language and parity of the dollar. "We have very similar stan dards, and we can deliver the quality," he said. "This is a model that ought to be encourage because it can be a tremendous benefit to the Bahamas." Dr Brown said one year ago the medical pavilion won an award from the EU that was administered by the Caribbean Export Development Agency that allowed them to export medical care and establish a medical tourism model. "Where we have ended up is we are now in two coun tries in a substantial way," he said. According to him, his company now manages patients in Antigua and brings them to the Bahamas for radiation therapy. This sort of medical tourism that Bahamians can benefit from and own, said Dr Brown is how the country can benefit in a large way from the instance of medical tourism. "There are so many spinoffs," he said. "The only time you will not see any benefits is if we don't have significant Bahamian ownership and we will have adverse effects." C M Y K C M Y K SECTIONB business@tribunemedia.net MONDAY, AUGUST 16, 2010 THETRIBUNE $4. 68 $4. 51 $4. 69The information contained is from a third p arty and The Tribune can not be held responsible for errors and/or omission from the daily report.$4.29 $4.29 $4.29The information contained is from a third party and The Tribune can not be h eld responsible for errors and/or o mission from the daily report. $4.24 $4.29 $4.26 Medical tour ism needs Bahamian investors to help industry grow Addiction rehab facility could open in 2011 S S E E E E p p a a g g e e 6 6 B B DR CONVILLE BROWN

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By NANCY LOPEZ Associated Press Writer BOGOTA, Colombia (AP Security gains and capitalist-friendly investment rules are spurring an unprecedented mining and oil boom in Colombia, a pro-business outpost on an increasingly leftist continent. Investors are deeming Colombia well worth the risk though many parts of the country where reserves are being exploited continue to be plagued by illegal armed groups. Even a car-bombing Thursday in the country's capital just a week into the new administration "won't be a problem for foreign investment," analyst Roberto Melzi of Barclays Capital said. South America's thirdlargest oil producer behind Brazil and Venezuela, Colom bia is on track to generate more than one million barrels of crude a day by 2012 double its production in 2006 the government says. State-owned Ecopetrol accounts for nearly 90 per cent of today's production. A full 80 per cent of the $7.2 billion in direct foreign investment the country reaped last year went to petroleum and mining with investment in the latter sector nearly doubling to $3.1 billion. "Companies are looking for the next big thing an unex plored market and Colombia has been popping up on the radar," said analyst Patrick Esteruelas of Eurasia Group. By contrast, neighbouring Ecuador, the continent's No.5 oil producer behind Argentina, got a total of $312 million in foreign investment in 2009. Colombia is so bullish on the foreign investment bonanza flourishing under new President Juan Manuel Santos, a former foreign trade, defense and finance minister, that the government is forecasting a healthy jump in gross domestic product this year 4.5 per cent. Colombia's foreign trade ministry says it expectsC olombia to attract $10 bil lion in foreign investment this year, approaching the record $10.6 billion of 2008. The influx has so flooded Colombia with dollars that the US currency has lost 12 per cent of its value this year against the Colombia peso. While Venezuela and Ecuador have alienated many energy investors by rewriting oil contracts increasing royalties and taxes so much that many multinationals pulled out Colombia's outgoing president, Alvaro Uribe, offered strong incentives. "Colombia is one of the few countries in Latin America essentially that offers ironclad contractual guarantees over periods of 20 years," Esteru elas said. During Uribe's eight years in office, which ended August 7, Colombia's known oil reserves rose 22 per cent to 1.9 billion barrels with production jumping 45 per cent. Colombia also has been the continent's No. 1 coal pro ducer for 39 years running. It is increasingly competing for mining investment with Peru and Chile, historically safer bets due not just to proven reserves of gold, copper and other minerals but also greater political stabili ty. Only about five million (19,000 square miles Colombia's 114 million hectares (440,000 square miles) have been explored, said Mario Ballesteros, the director of its Institute of Geology and Mining, though 40 per cent of the country is legally off-limits due to natural reserves and environmentally sensitive regions. Even before Uribe took office, investors considered the country's gold reserves especially promising. Colombia is Latin America's fifthlargest producer. "It's only now that you're seeing the product of people's investigation coming through in the form of feasibility stud ies and project development," said William Tankard, an ana lyst with GMFS, a Londonbased precious metals consultancy firm. Last year, Greystar Resources Ltd., a Canadian mining company, projected it could extract from the Angostura deposit in the northeastern state of Santander a total of 511,000 ounces of gold worth up to $611 million at today's prices and 2.3 mil lion ounces of silver. In its 16 years operating in Colombia, Greystar has invested $140 million. South African miner AngloGold Ashanti Ltd., meanwhile, has invested $159 million in Colombia since 2002 and believes it may have unearthed a monster mine, La Colosa, that could generate 800,000 ounces of gold annually, said Ivan Malaver, a company spokesman. Both projects have run into regulatory hurdles, however, as people who live near the gold deposits object to the planned use of cyanide in open pit operations in both La Colosa and Angostura. They fear contamination of local water supplies. "Colombia has to weigh the long term, maintaining the country's biodiversity and vast water resources, with the short term, which is the issue of mining," said Manuel Rodriguez, Colombia's first environment minister from 1994-98. La Colosa alone would require the removal of 600,000 tons of earth daily to extract the gold fragments dispersed underneath the surface meaning 90,000 tons of cyanide and 250,000 liters (66,000 gallons hour to distill the precious metal. Still, it's never been a better time to be in the gold business. The precious metal's price has reached unprecedented heights, now selling for more than $1,200 an ounce. What Colombia's investment boosters don't like to dwell on, however, are questions of security. The country's nearly halfcentury-old conflict with leftist rebels still simmers and sometimes boils over, especially in rural areas where mining and energy exploration tend to occur. Historically, Colombia's illegal armed groups have exacted "war taxes" from mining and oil producers. Those that refused were attacked. C M Y K C M Y K BUSINESS THE TRIBUNE MONDAY, AUGUST 16, 2010, PAGE 3B TO DISCUSS STORIES ON THIS PAGE LOG ON TO WWW.TRIBUNE242.COM To our valued customers, Easy Terms Financing is no longer located in the Montague Motors Building, Village Road.ALL BUSINESS TRANSACTIONS OR INQUIRIES SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO OUR HEAD OFFICE LOCATED IN THE EASY CAR SALES BUILDING, GLADSTONE RD. TELEPHONE 396.1127 FAX 341.9015 Mining and oil boom propel investment in Colombia OIL WORKERS near Ecopetrol's drilling platform in Nueva Castilla, Colombia. South America's third-largest oil producer behind Brazil and Venezuela, Colombia is on track to generate more than one million barrels of crude a day by 2012, double the production from 2006, the government says. State-owned Ecopetrol accounts for nearly 90 per cent of today's production. (AP Photo S S E E E E p p a a g g e e 8 8 B B

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By ANNE D'INNOCENZIO AP Retail Writer NEW YORK (AP Penney Co. cut its profit outlook for the rest of the year, a sign of jitters that Americans, still stinging from the recession and worried about jobs, aren't going to spend more any time soon. The reduced outlook came Friday as Penney reported a second-quarter profit as it benefited from tight inventory controls and exclusive store-label brands. Shares fell 90 cents, or 4.7 per cent, to close at $19.82 after hitting a 52-week low of $19.79 earlier in the session. Myron Ullman III, J C Penney's chairman and CEO, told analysts during a conference call Friday that while earlier in the year retailers recognised they wouldn't be able to rely on the "consumer economy" to drive business, now he says it could be a "drag" given the slowdown and Penney's will have to work even harder to woo shoppers to buy in the final months of 2010. Ullman said J C Penney's shoppers, who are primarily middle income, are bearing the biggest brunt of the economy's woes as they grapple with tight credit, job losses and a protracted housing slump. "Our customer tends to be more urban, more ethnic and more impacted by the economy than many others in the overall retail landscape," Ullman said. With Penney a bit more concerned about consumer spending than earlier in the year when it ordered fall and holiday goods, Ullman said that the chain will look "very carefully" at revising inventory levels for the rest of the year, though he doesn't see any major issues yet. Penney, based in Plano, Texas, earned $14 million, or six cents per share, in the three months ended July 31. That compares with a loss of $1 million, or break-even per share, in the same quarter last year. The second-quarter 2010 results included a charge of about five cents per share related to a debt buyback completed in May. Revenue was $3.94 billion, down 0.1 per cent from a year ago. Revenue at stores open at least a year rose 0.9 per cent compared with a year ago. The measure is a key indicator of a retailer's health because it includes sales at existing stores while excluding sales at newly opened locations. Analysts surveyed by Thomson Reuters expected five cents per share on revenue of $4 billion. After a surprise pickup in overall consumer spending earlier in the year, most retailers have seen a slowdown since April as the economic recovery is stalling and the job market remains stagnant. With shoppers watching their spending, any sales gains are coming at the expense of other retailers. Department stores, in particular, are fight ing a fierce battle for con sumer dollars in which Penney appears to be falling short. To lure shoppers into their stores, Penney and its rivals like Kohl's Corp. and Macy's Inc. have been adding more exclusive fashions. This month, Penney became the only US retailer to sell Liz Claiborne and Claiborne women's wear, except the Isaac Mizrahi-designed Liz Claiborne New York brand, which went to QVC. Ullman said that so far the clothes have received strong C M Y K C M Y K BUSINESS PAGE 4B, MONDAY, AUGUST 16, 2010 THE TRIBUNE TO DISCUSS STORIES ON THIS PAGE LOG ON TO WWW.TRIBUNE242.COM THE COLLEGE OFTHE BAHAMASVisit our website at www.cob.edu.bs IMPOR T ANT DA TES Fall Semester2010 New Student OrientationParentsEveningTuesday, 17th August, 2010 6:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m.O rientationWednesday, 18th August, 2010 8:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.Advisement & RegistrationWednesday, 18th August, 2010 2:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.Advisement, Registration & Bill PaymentThursday, 19th August, 2010 Friday, 20th August, 2010 9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.Venue:Performing Arts Centre, The College Of The Bahamas Thompson Boulevard J C Penney cuts outlook A LEVIS display is shown at a Macy's department store in Miami. (AP Photo S S E E E E n n e e x x t t p p a a g g e e

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consumer reception. This fall, Penney will become the only department store selling MNG by Man go, a European clothing brand, a big coup as fast-fashion players have been a big threat to department stores. Penney said back-to-school selling is off to a "good start," fuelled by new brands such as Uproar and Supergirl by Nestle and exclusive styles suchas Olsenboye and RS by Sheckler. The strongest sellers were in men's clothing and women's accessories during the second quarter, the chain said. Still, tough competition is taking a toll. Last week, Penney reported a surprise 0.6 per cent drop in July revenue at stores open at least a year and had warned that its second-quarter profit would come in at the low end of its forecast. Competitors Macy's and Kohl's, by con trast, reported rising sales. Penney said Friday that it expects revenue at stores open at least a year to be up two per cent to three per cent in the current quarter. Totals ales should increase one percentage point less, which means anywhere from one to two per cent, because Penney stopped publishing its Big Book catalogs. For the current quarter, earnings per share should bei n the range of 16 cents to 20 cents. Analysts had expected 24 cents per share. For the year, Penney expects earnings per share to be between $1.40 per share and $1.50 per share. Analysts expect $1.54. In May, Penneyh ad said it expected $1.64 for the full year. C M Y K C M Y K BUSINESS THE TRIBUNE MONDAY, AUGUST 16, 2010, PAGE 5B TO DISCUSS STORIES ON THIS PAGE LOG ON TO WWW.TRIBUNE242.COM %$+$0$6'(17$/&281&,/ 1$66$8+(%$+$0$6127,&($OOVWXGHQWVDQGSURVSHFWLYHVWXGHQWV RIWKH8QLYHUVLW\RIWKH:HVW,QGLHV 'HQWDO6FKRRO$XJXVWLQHV&DPSXV 7ULQLGDGDQGREDJR 3OHDVHEHDGYLVHGWKDWXSRQFRPSOHWLRQ RIWKHSURJUDPOHDGLQJWR'RFWRURI 'HQWDO6XUJHU\7KH%DKDPDV'HQWDO &RXQFLOUHTXLUHVWKDWJUDGXDWHV FRPSOHWHRQH\HDU,QWHUQVKLSRU *HQHUDO3UDFWLFH5HVLGHQF\SURJUDP $GGLWLRQDOO\DOODSSOLFDQWVIRU UHJLVWUDWLRQDQGOLFHQVXUHLQ7KH %DKDPDVPXVWVXFFHVVIXOO\SDVV OLFHQVXUHH[DPLQDWLRQDSSURYHG 7KH%DKDPDV'HQWDO&RXQFLO on consumer weakness To advertise, call 502-2371 CUSTOMERS are seen in the main entrance of the new J C Penney store in the Manhattan Mall during the grand opening in New York. Tight inventory controls and exclusive store label brands pushed J C Penney Co. into profitability in the second quarte. But the department store offered cut its profit outlook because of the uncertain economy. (AP Photo F F R R O O M M p p a a g g e e 4 4 B B

C M Y K C M Y K BUSINESS THE TRIBUNE MONDAY, AUGUST 16, 2010, PAGE 7B TO DISCUSS STORIES ON THIS PAGE LOG ON TO WWW.TRIBUNE242.COM 127,&( (662,*(5,$+2/',1*( ))6+25((1785(6f/,0,7(' 3XUVXDQWWRWKHSURYLVLRQVRI6HFWLRQ RIWKH,QWHUQDWLRQDO%XVLQHVV&RPSDQLHV$FW QRWLFHLVKHUHE\JLYHQWKDWWKHDERYHQ DPHG&RPSDQ\KDVEHHQGLVVROYHGDQG VWUXFNRIWKH5HJLVWHUSXUVXDQWWR&HUWLFDWHR I 'LVVROXWLRQLVVXHG7KH5HJLVWUDU*HQHUDO RQWKHGD\RI-DQXDU\'DWHGWKHWKGD\RI$XJXVW& DURO**UD\ /LTXLGDWRURI ( 662,*(5,$+2/',1*( ))6+25((1785(6f/,0,7(' By SANGWON YOON Associated Press Writer SEOUL, South Korea (APK orea's biggest airline, said Friday it sank to a loss in the second quarter as a weak won swelled its fuel costs. The carrier lost 233.1 billion won ($192 million three months ended June 30c ompared with a profit of 78.5 b illion won a year earlier. Sales surged 36.7 per cent to 2.84 trillion won. Shares in the airline, which released earnings before the stock market closed, rose 2.5 per cent to 76,900 won as its operating profit seen as a direct indicator of business performance more than doubled. Korean Air said its fuel bill increased by 30 per cent froma year earlier to 865 billion won amid higher jet fuel prices and a 3.5 per cent fall in the won against the dollar on average during the quarter. But the airline expects to return to profit in the third quarter because passenger numbers are recovering from the global recession and the won has strengthened. Operating profit seen as a direct indicator of business performance before taxes, dividends, asset sales and oth er items are figured into net profit or loss surged more than twofold to 352.1 billion won from 127.3 billion won last year. Korean Air, the world's biggest international air cargo carrier, said its airfreight business improved in the second quarter as exports of liquid crystal displays, semiconduc tors and cell phones increased. Cargo to Europe more than doubled and nearly dou bled to North America and Japan during the three months. AN EMPLOYEE of Korean Air walks past a logo at the Korean Air ticketing counter at Gimpo airport in Seoul, South Korea. Korean Air, South Korea's biggest airline, said Friday it sank to a loss in the second quarter as a weak won swelled its fuel costs. (AP Photo Korean Air sinks to loss in Q2 as fuel bill rises

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C M Y K C M Y K BUSINESS PAGE 8B, MONDAY, AUGUST 16, 2010 THE TRIBUNE TO DISCUSS STORIES ON THIS PAGE LOG ON TO WWW.TRIBUNE242.COM Stop by to see a Customer Care representative today...THIS SUMMERT e r m s & C o n d i t i o n s a p p l y .LET US UPGRADE UUpgrade your Cable TV Service with Cable Bahamas & Win!!!Everyone receives 3 months Cable TV subscription absolutely FREE.1 WinnerEvery Weekreceives FREE pay-per-view access for 6 months!1 Grand Prize Winnerwill walk the red carpet at a movie premiere in Hollywood!& get UR Upgrade! In 2001 alone, the 480-mile Cano Limon pipeline was hit by 170 acts of sabotage blamed on rebels. The attacks were curbed beginning in 2002 under Uribe, when Colombian military units began guarding the pipeline, said Mauricio Tellez, spokesman for state-owned Ecopetrol, which operates the p ipeline. B ut not all the protection i s by legally constituted forces. "The recent mining boom exploration and exploitation activities has been accompanied by the arrival of illegal security groups," said Ariel Avila, a researcher at the Nuevo Arco Iris think tank. Avila said he has found in field studies over the last two years that illegal armed groups linked to far-right militias and leftist rebels are providing security for oil companies in several regions, especially in the southeastern states of Meta and Guaviare. He would not name the oil companies, for his own security. Companies operating or exploring in Meta and Guaviare include Canadianowned Pacific Rubiales, Exxon Mobil Corp., Brazilian-owned Petrobras, and Petrominerales a Colom bian affiliate of Canadianowned Petrobank. "Part of the reason why Colombia, unlike many of its neighbours, was forced to provide so many tax incentives and regulatory sweeteners was precisely because they had to deal with that legacy of insecurity," Esteruelas said. Those incentives helped persuade Pacific Rubiales to begin investing in Colombia in 2004, said the company's vice president, Jose Francisco Arata. Colombia's second-largest oil company after Ecopetrol, Pacific Rubiales moved into formerly rebel-held areas of Meta and its production is now up to 125,000 barrels a day. Over the next year, the company plans to invest $235 million in further exploration in the eastern plains, as well as in the lowlands of the southern state of Putumayo both areas of continued rebel activity. "In areas that are considered a high risk, like in the border regions with Venezuela and Ecuador, military forces will accompany oil operators," said Armando Zamora, regulator for the National Agency of Hydrocarbons. Just last year, he said, the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC, burned some trucks and tried intimidating workers during an oil operation in the southern state of Putumayo, which borders Ecuador. He wouldn't detail the incident. To Rodriguez, the former environmental minister, the intimidation, violence and extortion are simply the price of doing business in Colombia. After all, he said, major coal operations began in Colombia during the peak of its conflict. "Historically, the country's violence hasn't been the biggest difficulty for outside companies," Avila said. "The biggest difficulty was that they didn't know the region. And now that they've done preliminary studies and know, they're investing more." Mining and oil boom propel investment in Colombia CHART compares foreign investment for 2008 and 2009 in six South American countries. F F R R O O M M p p a a g g e e 3 3 B B

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INSIGHT C M Y K C M Y K The Tribune INSIGHT M ONDAY, AUGUST 16, 2010 The stories behind the news By NOELLE NICOLLS Tribune Staff Reporter n nicolls@tribunemedia.net T he recent disclosures about the unauthorised activities at Nygard Cay, Simms Point, Lyford Cay, is a blatant display of the limitations of mass media to fully live up to the ideal held so dearly by many in the public. Peter Nygard is mostly described as the flamboyant Canadian fashion t ycoon in the mass media. His mains tream narrative is constructed by qualifiers, such as foreign investor, second-home owner, Bahamian employer, marketer of destination Bahamas, and philanthropist. But what of the other narratives? There are those millionaire neighbours, high-power attorneys and government officials included who accuse him of being a chronic flouter of the law. Just last week, Vincent Vander pool Wallace, Minister of Tourism, and Earl Deveaux, Minister of the Environment, confirmed that Nygard Cay operates with no hotel license and no commercial license. It is claimed that he has done so for years in full view of the Bahamian authorities and the entire world. Tribune sources also claim he pays no hotel room tax, although on some websites his luxury home is advertised for resort rental at a rate of over $40,000 per day. There is politics behind his portrayal, because people with money and power can control their image; in fact they survive and thrive based on how they manage their image. And they can create a legitimising environment to establish themselves as credible. People with less money and less power do the same thing, but with a diminished effect. Mr Nygard is legitimised by many constructs, such as the allure of his fantasy Robinson Crusoe home that is frequented by Nassaus perceived elite, and anyone else with a goodlooking face. He throws a wicked party and he can throw down a pretty penny to sponsor a national sporting federation, or some organisation suiting his tastes. He opens his doors to the Bahamian advertising and marketing industry for countless photo shoots and special events. For years he has been legitimised in the media and by the media, having been quoted as a credible authority on anything from the Bahamian tax system to the tourism industry. At the same time, government officials have consistently neglected to mention what has now come to light: their claims that he operates in several instances outside the bound aries of a law in which most Bahami ans are confined. This other narrative rarely makes the front pages of the newspapers, or the glossy magazines, because without information from a reliable source willing to go on the record, or to be quoted anonymous ly to suggest a contrary nature, an uninformed journalist will almost always go with the mainstream portrayal of a public figure. And an informed journalist consciously chooses a particular representation. Clearly, this creates a limited view of reality, but such is the nature of how journalism works. Many peo ple hold the expectation that jour nalists should seek out the absolute truth; journalists should show the true picture. If they critically analysed the media industry, they might not hold such a naive and lofty ideal. If they understood how to question, evaluate, comprehend and use the media, they might be able to see it for what it is and for what it is not. There is a reason journalists talk about writing stories or working an angle. The representations of reality that bear themselves on the pages of newspapers and in the images of a television broadcast are simply constructs of reality; they are angles. Understanding them as any thing different is to be drawn into an illusion; to conflate the opinions of a few with absolute truth. The way in which Mr Nygard is typically represented in the mainstream media, locally and interna tionally, is a perfect example of why media literacy should be considered as essential as reading, writing and knowing oneself in this information age. In todays society we are bombarded with millions of media mes sages that are saturated with politically-loaded information. People must be able to read beyond the hype of headlines; they must be able to critically engage the views of sources that use hyperbolic language and exaggerations to shape percep tion. It is unfortunate that Mr Nygard is a perfect case study of my point, although I am not accusing him of anything. That needs to be said because the limitations of the pub lishing profession are also such that you only accuse based on what you can prove. My point is, public figures have multiple identities, some are specu lative, some are mainstreamed and others are accusations yet to be tested in court. In all cases, there are reasons why certain representations are portrayed in the news and others are not. Simply put, facts lend themselves to interpretation and manipulation. Law professionals know this very well, particularly those in litigation. For example, when a jury rules affir-m atively on the facts of a case pres ented by the prosecution that only makes the evidence presented by the prosecution facts in the defined system of law. However, the defence can contin ue to purport a different set of facts all the way to the final court of appeal, and beyond. And on appeal, a different set of jurors or judges, holding different views, expressing different opinions, could very well validate those original non-truths as facts, after the initial fact. Haiti is a country that knows well the power of media representations. Is it a fact that voodoo is devil wor ship? Is it a fact that Haiti is the poorest country in the Western hemisphere, or is there an underlying and popularly accepted value judgment on the meaning of African-rooted spirituality and poverty. In the media, Haiti by default is referred to as the poorest country in the Western hemisphere. It may very well be so, but there is a choice to represent it as such. Media professionals could very well refer to Haiti as the first free black republic in the western world, or the first country in the Western hemisphere to abolish slavery, or use no qualifier at all. These titles might not be as society-conforming, but imagine the different level of consciousness they would create of Haiti, particularly over time. As a journalist I see this repeatedly. The media does more to rein force destructive stereotypes and feed populous rage than it does to effect real positive change, or even to truly educate. I wrote a story about investment opportunities in Haiti, after an interview with the Haitian Ambassador. Here I was thinking, Bahamians, in their capitalist world view, would be happy to hear the inside scoop on how to make money off the Haitian people they love to denigrate; they would be interested to know there was a way to benefit financially from investment opportunities, rather than just emotionally from philan thropy. This story enraged some Bahamians, who expressed their views in the comments section of the online version of the story. One reader, who identified himself as Jerome, called the Ambassador a joke, saying Bahamians have invested enough in the Haitian people. He continued with the usual litany about Haitians taking over the country and draining our resources. Another reader, who was identified as Bahamian with no Haitian ties spoke about rounding up Haitians and sending them home. That story accomplished little by way of education, because many used it as an opportunity to express their preconceived notions and preexisting insecurities. The story ended up feeding populous rage over immigration. This is the norm, not the anomaly. I see this happen over and over again. Many in the profession will disagree, but the media often reinforces entrenched views, more than it plants seeds of consciousness. More often than not, the media mar ginalises the views of people who are outside the circle of established authority. Individuals in the media business, and probably the profession as a whole, do not necessarily seek to do these things deliberately, but invari ably they happen. Invariably, politicians set the news agenda; the eco nomic elite set the business agenda; the police set the crime agenda, and the Bahamas Christian Council sets the moral agenda. Only in landmark instances does the profession actually live up to its journalistic ideal. By and large, this is the daily impact: people get an inflated sense of reality; reader perceptions are shaped based on the personal agendas of sources; and stereotypes, mainly the destructive ones, are reinforced. I am a journalist, and I say this with a great respect for my profession, but I also understand the limi tations we face, and I believe in media literacy, because I dont believe we should kid ourselves or the people we serve about the inherent limitations and structural inequities in the system we operate within. Take the following for example: Who profited from the sale of thousands of acres of private land in order to create a BNT managed national park? Even if my sources are correct, this story will likely nev er see the light of day, even though I believe the public would be well within its right to ask for full disclosure about a possible conflict of interest. What of claims that some Ameri can travel agents benefited finan cially from the Tourism Fly Free promotion by charging their clients regular rates and allegedly pocketing the savings from the publicly-funded promotion? I have sources who claim this is the case, others who say not. But this is the Ministry of Tourisms flagship promotion, and powerful interests would push back on this angle so much so, the story will probably never make it into the mainstream media. The fact is, in our small and tight ly-guarded community, a journalist would be hard pressed to find pri mary evidence or a quotable source. And those who express these views, or claim to know the truth, will invariably be delegitimised by those with established authority or else the reliable source will slip into the shadows and pretend they dont know you when the chips are down. The accusations will be dismissed by those in authority and the story will be killed. In this case, the authority is not limited media owners; the primary gatekeepers of information are the politicians and civil servants who claim there are sinister forces operating below the surface, when some of them are themselves part and parcel of that force. Unfortunately, when accusations are made against powerful people or interest groups, a higher standard of proof is applied. In turn, a higher standard is required to determine the credibility of a source. Would the media be less inclined to run with a story of this nature, as might How far can the media go in search of truth? VINCENT VANDERPOOL WALLACE PETER NYGARD EARL DEVEAUX BRADLEY ROBERTS S S E E E E p p a a g g e e 4 4 C C

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By CHENGETAI ZVAUYA Associated Press Writer HARARE, Zimbabwe (AP selling hundreds of thousands of carats of rough diamonds Wednesday that were mined from an area where human r ights groups say soldiers killed 200 people, raped women and forced children into hard labour. Heavily armed police and soldiers guarded top security vaults built at the main Harare airport, where several private jets brought buyers from Israel, India, Lebanon and Russia, officials said. Abbey Chikane, Zimbabwe monitor of the world diamond control body, certified the diamonds as ready for sale on Wednesday, having said controversy-plagued diamonds from two mines in eastern Zimbabwe met minimum international standards. Some 900,000 carats were put up for auction Wednesday, the mines ministry said. Investigators for the world's diamond control body said last year that the gems were mined at the Marange diamond fields by virtual slaves who had been told to dig or die, and were smuggled out by soldiers who raped and beat civilians. Process Yet the Kimberley Process, the diamond body, said those gems didn't qualify as "blood diamonds." Human Rights Watch says children as young as 10 were forced to work up to 11 hours a day in the Marange diamond fields with no pay or reward. The organisation said it had reason to believe that at least 300 children were still working there as of February 2009. Zimbabwe's mines ministry accuses human rights groups of "peddling falsehoods" over rights violations. No estimated value was given for stones, although unofficial estimates range up to $2 billion, a massive boost for Zimbabwe's ailing economy and representing about onethird of the southern African country's national debt. The eastern alluvial diamond fields were uncovered in 2006 and are estimated to be able to meet one-fourth of the world's demand for diamonds. The find is described as the biggest in southern Africa since diamonds were discovered at Kimberley in South Africa a century ago. C M Y K C M Y K INSIGHT PAGE 2C, MONDAY, AUGUST 16, 2010 THE TRIBUNE TO DISCUSS STORIES ON THIS PAGE LOG ON TO WWW.TRIBUNE242.COM Zimbabwe auctions controversy-plagued diamonds DIAMOND HUNT: Miners dig for diamonds in Marange, eastern Zimbabwe, on November 1, 2006. Zim b abwe began selling millions of carats of rough diamonds August 11, 2010, that were mined from an area where human rights groups say soldiers killed 200 people, raped women and forced children into hard labour. (AP Photo

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L ONDON (AP travelling to India for medical procedures have brought back to Britain a new gene that allows any bacteria to become a superbug, and scientists are warning this type of drug resistance could soon appear worldwide. Though already widespread in India, the new superbug gene is being increasingly spotted in Britain and elsew here. Experts warn the booming medical tourism industries in India and Pakistan could fuel a surge in antibiotic resistance, as patients import dangerous bugs to their home countries. The superbug gene, which can be swapped between different bacteria to make them resistant to most drugs, has so far been identified in 37 people who returned to the UK after undergoing surgery in India or Pakistan. The resistant gene has also been detected in Australia, Canada, the US, the Netherl ands and Sweden. The r esearchers say since many A mericans and Europeans travel to India and Pakistan for elective procedures like cosmetic surgery, it was likely the superbug gene would spread worldwide. In an article published online Wednesday in the journal Lancet Infectious Diseases, doctors reported find ing a new gene, called NDM1. The gene alters bacteria, making them resistant to nearly all known antibiotics. It has been seen largely in E. coli bacteria, the most com mon cause of urinary tract i nfections, and on DNA structures that can be easily copied and passed onto other types of bacteria. The researchers said the superbug gene appeared to be already circulating widely in India, where the health system is much less likely to identify its presence or have adequate antibiotics to treat patients. "The potential of NDM-1 to be a worldwide p ublic health problem is great, and coordinated international surveillance is needed," the authors wrote. Still, the numbers of people who have been identified with the superbug gene remains very small. "We are potentially at the beginning of another wave of antibiotic resistance, though we still have the power to stop it," said Christopher Thomas, a professor of molecular genetics at the University of Birmingham who was not linked to the study. Thomas said better surveillance and i nfection control procedures m ight halt the gene's spread. T homas said while people checking into British hospitals were unlikely to encounter the superbug gene, they should remain vigilant about standard hygiene measures like properly washing their hands. "The spread of these multiresistant bacteria merits very close monitoring," wrote Johann Pitout of the division of microbiology at the University of Calgary, Canada, in an accompanying Lancet commentary. Pitout called for internat ional surveillance of the bacteria, particularly in countries that actively promote medical t ourism. "The consequences will be serious if family doctors have to treat infections c aused by these multi-resistant bacteria on a daily basis," he wrote. C M Y K C M Y K INSIGHT THE TRIBUNE MONDAY, AUGUST 16, 2010, PAGE 3C TO DISCUSS STORIES ON THIS PAGE LOG ON TO WWW.TRIBUNE242.COM UK doctors: New superbug gene could spread widely INSIGHT For the stories b ehind the news, read Insight on Mondays T o adver tise, call 502-2371

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be the case with an accusation about a group with less clout? It is a wonder how the Nygard story came to light. In placing random calls to people listed in the phone book with Lyford Cay addresses, I had individuals hang up the phone on me and tell me: I dont like to be b othered. That might very w ell be a reasonable view, but invariably there are those in society who have their privacy respected and others who do not. Those with no access to power by default have no privacy. It is common to hear about certain people in society who go through the court system being successful at never seeing their picture in the newspaper, because they have access to connections that will ensure they are concealed in one way or another. Power buys people privacy. Privacy ensures concealment from the public eye. Lack of scrutiny by the public enables people to have more control over their image; it gives them more flexibility in constructing a credible persona and pushing their own agenda. I share the ideal of my colleagues and the public that journalism should democratise information; give the people ownership over their own information; call out corruption; hold people with power t o account; and all of that g ood stuff. But I know there is a big gap between the ideal we strive for, the reality we exist in and the reality we help to construct. Media literacy is a discussion about managing expectations regarding the media; understanding the gaps between the ideal and the reality; understanding how people use the media; how it operates and its limitations. Politicians love to rail at the media for sensationalising stories, but they are the biggest offenders. Every time I get a press release from Bradley Roberts, Progressive Liberal Party (PLP pressed to figure out where are the facts, what is the real story here. I estimate as much as 85 per cent of his press releases are hyperbole. Politicians often criticise the media for using anonymous sources, but the scary reality is, nowadays the politicians do so behind the anonymous cover of blogs, who are accountable to no one. They u se anonymous websites to s toke the fire by spreading innuendoes. When I use an anonymous source it does not mean I am ashamed to use their name because the source is not credible. It means the source is good and reliable but has asked not to be identified. That is an annoyance for a journalist, but completely understandable given the nature of our society. Politicians and civil servants have access to all of the evidence to prove a lot of the big stories. Some of them prefer to spread innuendo instead of giving journalists the real story and the hard facts, afraid that they might be implicated. Some of them do not like the news organisation a particular journalist might work for. Others are too afraid, or might be in breach of some contractual obligation to confidentiality. These are a few of many reasons. Media literacy would help to promote a culture of openness, and teach people thatt he media is based on the principle of transparency. The average news story contains about 500 words. If you were to make it longer than that, you would take a gamble at whether peoplew ould complete the piece. The structure of the average news story is built around five simple questions: What happened, when did it happen; why and how did it happen; and who was involved.A nswer those five questions a nd voil, there is your story. At first glance this struc ture seems designed to bring about objectivity, but if you were to look from a different angle, understand how to critically analyse the news, a dif ferent story would emerge. This story is about why news is not objective; why journal ists can never truly be objec tive; and why objectivity is a journalistic illusion. And why legal constraints often prevent the telling of the whole story. Most obviously, asking the question of why something happened is a subjective process lending itself to a myriad of opinions. The fact that Caribbean C M Y K C M Y K INSIGHT PAGE 4C, MONDAY, AUGUST 16, 2010 THE TRIBUNE TO DISCUSS STORIES ON THIS PAGE LOG ON TO WWW.TRIBUNE242.COM C eiling FansEAGLE ELECTRICAL &LIGHTING W e ship to the Family Islands! T el: (242Tonique Williams Darling Highway/Harold Rd. Fax: (242 Website : www.eaglebahamas.comB EST QUALITY, BEST PRICE, GUARANTEED! !! E agle Microwaves AIR HANDLERS 3 TON $617.50 4 TON $788.50 5 TON $807.50 CONDENSERS 3 TON $1,082.99 4 TON $1,367.99 5 TON $1,424.99 Central Air Conditioning Systems S A L E Get 20% Off Decorative Lighting Fixtures & Ceiling Fans&EV ERYDAY LO WPR ICES AT EA GLE$689.00 Eagle Ductless A ir Conditioners$420.00 N EW SIZE$399.99*20% OFF$74.99* 20% OFF$19.99E agle Refrigerators8 cu ft 1 8 cu ftPremium Irons Decorative L ighting *Base Price -----------------Portable Air Conditioning Units starting at $495.00 Window Units 5000 BTU & 9000 BTU starting at $198.00 F F R R O O M M p p a a g g e e 1 1 C C How far can the S S E E E E n n e e x x t t p p a a g g e e

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issues are marginalised in the Bahamian media is because of the subjective perspectives of gatekeepers in their assessment of market wants. The fact that Family Island news almost never makes the cut unless it is filtered through the agenda of politicians speaking to the issue. The fact that certain words are used, such as terror is because of subjectivity. Subjectivity essentially speaks to the internal reality of an individual or organisation. To find out what happened, a reporter has to find sources of information. The process of determining who is a source of authority involves subjectivity on the part of a reporter. Depending on where a reporter is situated in society, certain sources will be more accessible than others, and c ertain sources will be viewed a s more legitimate than othe rs. This is the reality. Access to primary data in the Bahamas is hard to come by, particularly as the industry is not empowered by a Right to Information Act. And even in countries where the government claims to support access to information the roadblocks placed in the face of that make their support seem laughable. In the Bahamas, government records are kept under lock and key, and statistically data is usually non-existent; sometimes it is out-dated, or i n the hands of private enterp rise that keep that informat ion private to protect their economic interests. There are very few stories in the media that are born from primary data, unless you consider a press release to be a primary source. Given the mechanics of reporting and the structural limitations of journalistic endeavour it would be prudent for consumers of media messages to become media literate. This means learning how to deconstruct the media; it means understanding that people who are in control of t he message are pushing their a genda, whether it be the m edium delivering the information, or the source of the information being transmitted. There is evidence everywhere to show how problematic it is for people to rely solely on media messages to construct their sense of reality. All media messages should be analysed critically. No mess age should be consumed pass ively. A ll around us, we are seeing the expansion of the information technology age. The messages we are being bombarded with are negatively shaping how we think, act and understand ourselves. Essentially, they are enslaving us by creating a false sense of reality that is benefiting those with power. The discussion a bout media literacy is essent ial to give people back their p ower so they can freely shape their own world. C M Y K C M Y K INSIGHT THE TRIBUNE MONDAY, AUGUST 16, 2010, PAGE 5C TO DISCUSS STORIES ON THIS PAGE LOG ON TO WWW.TRIBUNE242.COM The superbly balanced proportions of the Toyota Yaris reflect the inherent intelligence of its design and the spacious comfort that it offers. Features include: 1.3 litre engine, automatic transmission, ABS brakes, power steering, air conditioning, drivers side airbag, and CD player. Totally Yours, Totally Yaris Backed by a 3-year/60,000 mile factory warranty YARIS Trade-ins are always welcome Available in Grand Bahama at Quality Auto Sales (Freeport), Queens Hwy, 352-6122 Abaco Motor Mall, Don MacKay Blvd, 367-2916AUTHORIZED DAIHATSU AND TOYOTADEALERA part of the Automall group Shirley Street at Church Street Open Mon to Fri 8am 5:30pm Sat 8am 12noon Tel: 397-1700info@executivemotors.bs www.automallbahamas.com media go in search of truth? F F R R O O M M p p a a g g e e 4 4 C C